2.

Alternative construction systems and details

"Alternative building" refers to construction
methods that differ from ordinary.
• Concrete frame construction is probably the
most common kind of construction system
used in the world today. As the name
suggests, this has a skeleton of concrete, that
is covered with a skin(blocks, glass,
aluminum…).
Alternative construction systems
-Tensile structures
-Pre-Engineered Structures
-Wood Framed construction
-Steel frame structures
-Space frames
-Precast concrete construction
-Earthen architecture
-Bamboo construction
etc…..
Tensile structure/Tensile Architecture
Is a construction of elements carrying only tension and no compression or bending.

Theoretically, the tension member transmitting a direct tension between two points in a structure Tensile
membrane structures used as roofs as they can economically and attractively span large distances.
Tensile Structure Systems is a boutique firm
specializing in the creative design of fabric
architecture, roof systems, canopies and dynamic
shade sails.

Tensile membrane structures may also be used as

complete buildings, with a few common
applications being sports facilities, warehousing
and storage buildings, and exhibition venues.
•The start using of Tesile Fabrices was practiced since thousand of
years. However, in 1960th the German Architect Frei Otto practiced
well about the technique of enclosure Fabrices as the main Stream of
architecture .
 1957 Frei Otto establishes Center for Lightweight
Construction (later Institute for Lightweight Structures)
 Types of tensile fabrics

Types of tensile fabrics:

1. Structural coated fabric
2. Mesh fabric

1.STRUCTURAL COATED FABRIC

• The central base is woven cloth
• Both sides have technical coating
And well approving
• Color
• Water proof
• Require technical characteristics
 Uv resistance
 Flam resistance
2. MESH FABRIC

Due to the openness of its meshes

• Mostly used for shading
• Light diffusing fabrics
 EXTERNAL USE FABRICS
-PVC coated polyester
-PTFE coated glass cloth/consists of a woven fiberglass and are coated with a PTFE/ a
thermoplastic polymer/ resin
-Silicon coated glass cloth
Required performances of modern tensile fabrics are:
• Advanced strength
•Aesthetics
•Easily cleaning
•Possibility of solar shading
•Acoustics
•Printability
-Synclastic: Curved toward the same side in same directions.
-Anticlastic: Curved in opposite ways/in two directions
• Anticlastic curvature
General principles of tensile structures
• it is important to know how the structural
behavior of flexible elements like cables,
membranes and cable nets are different from
the conventional structures.
• Fortunately, most of the materials commonly used
in construction, including natural and man-made
yarns and textiles, have good tensile strength,
though brick, stone and unreinforced concrete are
notable exceptions. This means that even highly
flexible elements with negligible bending stiffness,
such as chains, cables, ropes, yarns and woven
fabrics, can be used effectively in the most
efficient structures, those stressed in pure tension.
Detailing for fabric architectural structures
Membrane materials have to be joined to form
the roof. There are several techniques available,
including: stitched ,glued, laced, clamped or
welded.
Curved or scalloped edge
Straight Edge
Fabric Edge
Other Details
The external towers adopt shuttle-shaped columns,
which consist of three main chords made of steel
tubes connected by diaphragm plates.
Gathering Plate
Advantages of Tensile Structures
• Shelter of environment (sun, rain, wind)
• Translucency in general, possibilities to design light effects
• Light weight & Durable
• Endless form possibilities, catching character
• Short building time, off site manufacturing of structure, less site
interruption time
• Large spans
• Recyclability and Eco friendliness
• Adaptability to exciting building technologies (steel, glass, cement,
stone)
• Simplicity of maintenance  & Easy repair or replacement
 Individual Assignment 2

Propose a plaza at any convenient location in AASTU that having a

tensile structure which is noted as a landmark for the campus which
covers minimum area of 20mx20m and prepare the followings;

1. Prepare illustrated plans, elevations, connection details and material

specifications you have used for the structure.
II. Prepare a model (use 1:50 scale)

Date of submission: Jan. 3/2023 morning @ 3:00LT