BUILDTECH

Technical textiles used in construction of buildings are called “buildtech”.

Technical textiles and composites play a big role in the construction

sector, providing filters, reinforcement materials, webbings etc.

More visible area of tents, marquees and awnings which they also can be built with
aesthetic concerns.

Lately those kind of textile applications called “textile architecture”.

Technical textiles can be used at these areas;
1. concrete reinforcement 1. textile membranes for roof
2. façade foundation systems construction
3. Interior constructions 2. hoardings and signages
4. Insulations 3. scaffolding nets
5. proofing materials 4. awnings and canopies
6. visual protection 5. Tarpaulins
7. protection against the sun 6. Architectural membranes
8. building safety 7. and roofing materials.
 Some advantages are
• Lightweight
• strength and resilience
• and resistant to chemicals, sunlight, pollutants.
 Scaffolding Nets

Scaffolding Nets always severe as protection

in construction-either
 against weather and failing debris,
 against too much solar radiation,
 Tarpaulins – HDPE, Cotton canvas and Jute Tarpaulins
A tarpaulin or tarp is a large sheet of strong, flexible, water resistant or
waterproof material. Traditionally tarpaulins were made out of cotton however
currently nylon and polyester fibre fabrics are being increasingly used in
manufacturing tarpaulins. Tarpaulin is widely used for rain water protection
in sheds, transportation - trucks & other automobiles, storage godowns, boats,
snowmobiles, construction sites, lumber, grain storage, temporary storages,
tents, ground-sheets, etc. Tarpaulins are sheets made out of polyethylene,
cotton canvas, jute, etc. Polyethylene tarpaulin is alsoknown as HDPE
Tarpaulin, Laminated Tarpaulin, Plastic Tarpaulin, etc.
Traditionally, cotton canvas had been the more
common form of tarpaulins, but, lately, HDPE woven
and laminated fabric and polyethylene sheets have
replaced canvas in many of the applications.
Hoardings / Signages
Hoardings / Signages are made of a translucent flexible textile substrate called flexible-face
sign fabric. Flexible-face sign fabric, also known as flex
was developed as an alternative to rigid-faced substrates like acrylic, plastic and
polycarbonates. Besides hoardings, this material has applications in light boxes, exhibits,
trade show displays and majority of other static out of home (OOH) advertising. Flex is made
of a PVC coated polyester warp knitted fabric. The fabric is made from high tenacity
polyester filament yarn of denier ranging from 250 to 500. This fabric is coated with PVC and
surface treated with lacquer. The material has the properties like Light transmission,
Printability, Ultra Violet resistance, Heat sealability, Mildew resistance, Anti wicking. Flex is
available in different varieties depending on its application. The flex used for front-lit
hoardings is available in GSM ranging between 280 and 370 and that for back-lit hoardings is
available in GSM ranging from 450 to 650.
 Architectural Membranes
The applications of architectural membranes include construction of permanent and semi-
permanent structures such as car park covers, cafes, walkways, hotels, outdoor entertainment
areas, pool surrounds, greenhouses, airports, stadiums, sports halls, exhibitions and display
halls, storage bases for industrial and military supplies and any venues that require protection
against harsh UV rays, heat, glare, rain and wind. The textile structures used for construction
material can be classified into Clear-span structures, Tension structures and Air Structures.
Architectural membranes are strong, energy efficient and aesthetically superior products that
offer flexibility to designers and architects thus, allowing high levels of creativity.

The textile material used for construction purpose is to

be made Waterproof , Fire retardant, Resistant to
deformation and extension under tension,
Impermeable to air and wind, Resistant to abrasion
and mechanical damage, Resistant to sunlight and acid
Technologies used in build-tech
In fabric,
 plain woven fabric are used because of their low hairiness,
 warp knit fabrics because they are strong,
 nonwoven fabrics (needling method) because they are cheap and light-weight.

In Coating,
 mostly polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
 polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
 or silicone coated fabrics.

In laminating,
 vinyl film coating on woven or knitted polyester and nylon fabrics.
 cheaper than coated fabric
 Lower tensile strength, flexural and abrasion resistance.