TENSIONED

FABRIC
STRUCTURES

THE COLUMBUS CENTER

Inner Harbor
Baltimore, Maryland

CLOSED TENSIONED FABRIC STRUCTU

Tensioned Fabric Structure: A structure where the exterior shell is a fabric

material spread over a framework. The fabric is maintained in tension in all
directions to provide stability.

DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

PIER SIX PAVILION

Baltimore, Maryland

OPEN STRUCTURE

CHICAGOS NAVY PIER

COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
FABRIC STRUCTURES CANNOT TAKE HEAVY WEATHER CONDITIONS

FAL

FABRIC IS ELASTIC AND STRETCHES Fabric has a strong tensile strength

will creep (stretch very slightly) only a few percent over 20 years of use.

ADVANTAGES

DISADVANTAGES

Unique designs

Little to no rigidity

Lightweight and flexible

Loss of tension is dangerous for

stability

Environmentally sensitive
High strength weight ratio

Thermal values limit use

TYPES OF FABRIC
STRUCTURES
Saddle roof
Mast supported
Arch supported
Point supported
Combinations

SADDLE ROOF
Four

or more point system when the

fabric is stretched between a set of
alternating high and low points

MAST SUPPORTED
Tent

- like structures containing one or

more peaks supported by poles (masts)
or a compression ring that connects the
fabric to the central support.

ARCH SUPPORTED
Curved

compression members are used

as the main supporting elements and
cross arches are used for lateral stability.

ALUMINUM FRAME SUPPORT

COMBINATIONS
Combination

of several support types.

COMPONENTS

BASE PLATE

Connection to concrete foundation pillar

MAST SUPPORTED

BALE RING / MEMBRANE PLATE

Provide a link between the membrane and structural elements..

Bale rings are used at the top of conical shapes.
Membrane plates accept centenary cables and pin connection
hardware.

MEMBRANE
Forms the enclosure of the structure. Connections can
be glued
or heat welded.

MEMBRANES

PVC coated polyester (polyvinylchloride)

Silicon coated glass

Teflon coated glass P.T.F.E (polytetrafluroethylene)

TYPES OF FABRIC MEMBRANES

PVC

Less expensive
15 to 20 year life span
Easy to erect

SILICON

Higher tensile strength

Brittle, subject to damage from flexing
30+ year life span

TEFLON

GLASS

GLASS

Similar to silicon glass, less brittle.

SPECIALIZED
HARDWARE
SPECIALIZED HARDWARE
Centenary
cables at a side
connection
Tripod head
with centenary
cables

Extruded section
with membrane
plate and centenary
cables
Tensioner

SPECIALIZED HARDWARE
CABLE CLAMPS

WATER DRAINAGE VIA MEMBRANE

PLATES
OPEN STRUCTURE

WATER DRAINAGE
CLOSED STRUCTURE

SOLAR BEHAVIOR

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Longer life cycles of materials.

Materials can be re-used in form.

Most materials are completely recyclable.

Less impact on site.

Less construction debris after demolition.

LINKS.

BIRDAIR, INC. www.birdair.com

SPRUNG INSTANT STRUCTURES LTD.
www.sprung.com
FABRIC ARCHITECTURE
www.fabricarchitecture.co.uk
FABRITEC STRUCTURES
www.shadeconcepts.com

end