DESIGN OF TENSION

BASED FABRIC
STRUCTURES

BY: PRATYUSH
MISHRA
Enrolment No. 12215007
1. Introduction
Tensioned Fabric Structure: A structure where the
exterior membrane is a fabric material spread over a
framework. The fabric is maintained in tension in all
directions to provide stability.
Tensile structures have long been used intents, where
theguy ropesand tent poles provide pre-tension to the
fabric and allow it to withstand loads.
Olympic Stadium, Munich, Germany (1972)
Interior View:
Olympic Stadium, Munich,
Germany (1972)
 ADVANTAGES
Such structures usually span large distances without incurring
much weight on supporting structure or foundation.

They are capable of carrying large applied loads while weighing

very little in comparison to steel or concrete structures of the
same spans.

This reduction in weight and material translates into shorter

construction schedules and overall cost savings.

Shape and size are controlled by boundary conditions, the

possibility for new and interesting forms is endless.

Low Environmental Impact during and after construction phase.

 DISADVANTAGES
Difficulties in design.
1. Finding the structurally efficient shape.
2. Under imposed loading (wind or snow), they
exhibit a visible form-force interaction
3. Constructing the found shape using fabric.
. Loss of tension is dangerous for stability.
. Durability of fabrics, limit use.
Modelling tensile fabric structures.
Cutting
Deciding the Structural Load
Form finding Pattern
Boundaries Analysis Analysis
generation

Modelling of Tensile
fabric structures

Physical Computational
Modelling Modelling

Soap-film
Fabric model
model
2. LITERATURE REVIEW

i. Modelling of Fabric Structures and Associated Design Issues

: Wanda J. Lewis, Ph.D.

This paper addressed a number of design issues and misconceptions related to tensioned fabric
structures,
1. Computational work might produce surfaces in static equilibrium, with a patchy uniform prestress
that cannot be achieved in an actual construction.
2. Form-finding should be carried out by both computational and physical modelling.
ii. Computational form-finding methods for fabric structures
: Prof. W.J. Lewis, J.S. Brew

This paper describes force density method, provides insights into its applicability as numerical
tools for the design of fabric structures.
1. The force density method, generates equilibrated shapes of structures that have the
feature of a non-uniform tension field. Additional iterations are required to satisfy the
condition of constant tension, as observed in ideal tension structures, such as soap-films.
2. The use of soap-film analogy in form-finding of fabric structures is strongly
recommended.
Objective
The objective is to create a possible experimental
methodology for advanced understanding of tensile
structures by comparing and analysing the differences
between the computational and physical design models.
Methodology
Design of Tensile fabric
structures

Physical Modelling Computational Modelling

Soap-film model Fabric model Using existing software i.e.

Rhinoceros 3D and ixForten
4000.

Setting boundary conditions Spandex model Cotton fabric model

Form-Finding

Fabric cutting pattern

General understanding of generation
possibility of structure Cutting pattern generation

Building model

Wind load Analysis

3D scanning
Displacement and stress
results.
Wind load Analysis

Displacement and stress

calculation.
5. WORK DONE SO FAR
Physical Modelling :
A simple setup was prepared using
polystyrene sheets, steel wires, threads.
Threads were tied to the wires and were
used to provide boundary to the structure.

Once the boundary of structure was defined a soap solution was prepared
having 6 % glycerin and about 8 % detergent solution.
Three different shapes were physically modelled using soap films
Physical Modelling using soap film.

(I) (II) (III)

Computational Modelling

Various software are available for design of tensile

structures.
Rhinoceros 3D and ixForten 4000, are two software that
provide excellent 3D visualization, and have built-in
tools for form-finding, cutting pattern generation and
load analysis over fabric structures.
Hence the above mentioned software were chosen for
modelling.
Fig 1.1 Curves describing boundary of structure.
Fig 1.2 Surface generated connecting the boundaries of structure.
Fig 1.3. Meshing of structure. (density=0.5)
Fig 1.4 Final shape after form-finding using Rhino- membrane.
 (a) (b)

Fig 1.5 Comparison of shape formed via two modelling techniques i.e. (a) Computational Modelling, (b)
Physical Modelling using soap film.
Fig 2.1 Surface generated connecting the boundaries of structure.
Fig 2.2. Meshing of structure. (density=0.5)
Fig 2.3 Final shape after form-finding using Rhino- membrane.
 (a) (b)

Fig 2.4 Comparison of shape formed using two modelling techniques, (a) Computational modelling,
(b) Physical modelling using soap films.
Fig 3.1 Surface generated connecting the boundaries of structure.
Fig 3.2. Meshing of structure. (density=0.5).
Fig 3.3 Final shape after form-finding using Rhino- membrane.
 (a) (b)

Fig 3.4 Comparison of shape formed using two modelling techniques, (a) Computational modelling,
(b) Physical modelling using soap films.
6. Future Plans
Thank You.