Definition
•The term tensile structures describes the category of buildings in which the load bearing capacity is
achieved through tension stress in the majority of the components, such as cables, technical fabrics
or foils.
•It can also be defined as 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.
•The only exception is represented by rigid boundaries and structural members which are generally
subjected to compression and bending.
•Tension structures are commonly subdivided in boundary tensioned membranes, pneumatic
structures and pre-stressed cable nets and beams (Lewis 2003).
CHICAGO’S NAVY PIER DENVER INTERNATIONALAIRPORT
Common Misconceptions
•FABRIC STRUCTURES CANNOT TAKE HEAVY WEATHER CONDITIONS IS AN
INCORRECT STATEMENT.
•FABRIC IS ELASTIC AND STRETCHES. Fabric has a strong tensile strength and
will creep (stretch very slightly) only a few percent over 20 years of use.
History
•Tensile fabric structures have been with us since the Mongolians swept down from the plains,
with their yurts as their transportable overnight accommodation.
•And there’s evidence that the Romans even covered the Colosseum with massive canopies,
hoisted by an intricate system of pulleys, to protect the audience from the elements.
•But they really came into their own in the last half of the 20th century, when designs like this by
Germany’s Frei Otto.
Frei Otto Olympic Stadium Colosseum roof
Why tensile are the shape they are?
•Large flat pieces of fabric are very poor at resisting loads.
•Imagine four of you each pulling on the strings laced through a tennis ball. Fig 1. A fifth person
pushing down on the ball can deflect it easily.
•Imagine a flappy marquee roof. Try lifting two opposite strings and lowering the other two. Fig 2.
The ball is now locked in space. Apply this principle to fabric and you have created ‘anticlastic’
double curvature
Fig. 1 Fig. 2
Types of Fabric Structures
• Saddle roof
• Mast supporte d
• Arch support ed
`
•Combinations
Saddle Roof
Four or more point system when the fabric is
stretched between a set of alternating high and low points
The roof plan, taken directly from the structural engineering
working drawings, illustrates the roof configuration and its
components.
Section through the project showing the stage roof tucked
under the auditorium roof.
The saddle-shaped roof of the stage cover nestles under the
auditorium roof of the project. The leaning A-frames and the
stay cables which hold them back are clearly visible, along with
the radial cables which shape the tent units. The corner tripods,
each consisting of a vertical mast and two sloping cables, are
connected to concrete anchors rising from the water.
Mast Supported
•Tent-like in appearance, mast supported structures
typically have one or sometimes several peaks that are
supported by either interior or perimeter masts.
•The fabric is attached to the interior mast by special connections, usually a bale ring or cable loop.
•Mast-supported structures can also be supported by adjacent buildings. The peaks of a mast
supported structure are determined by the design and how the fabric is attached.
•Openings are typically ovoid or elliptical. The fabric that
extends from the top of the opening is seamed and
can necessitate patterning.
•Mast supported systems are suitable for long span roofs.
`
Arch Supported Roof
•Curved compression members are used as the main
supporting elements and cross arches are used for lateral
stability.
•In a plane arch, large differences between the thrust lines and the main geometry will produce
large bending moments that in turn produce large changes in shape and high stresses in the arch
chord section. One method to significantly reduce these effects is to tie or restrain points along
the arch chord to reduce the initial large deformations of the chord
•The buckling length of the arch chord can also be reduced by discretely or continuously
supporting the chord with tension elements or systems comprised of cables or membranes.
Typical arch shapes
defined by physical and
ergonomic constraints.
Combinations
Combination of several support types.
Components
•BASE PLATE
Connection to concrete foundation pillar
•MEMBRANES
Forms the enclosure of the structure. Connections can be
glued or heat welded
• PVC coated polyester (polyvinylchloride)
• Silicon coated glass
• Teflon coated glass P.T.F.E (polytetrafluroethylene)
• 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.
• TYPES OF FABRIC MEMBRANE
PVC : Less expensive TEFLON GLASS: Similar tosilicon
15 to 20 year life span glass, less brittle.
Easy to erect
SILICON GLASS: Higher tensile strength
Brittle, subject to damage from flexing
30+ year life span
Specialized Hardware
Tripod head with centenary cables
Centenary cables at a side connection
Extruded section with membrane
Tensioner plate and centenary cables
CABLE CLAMPS
Edge c able with c lamps. Used mainly for PTFE-
coated fiber glass fabric , but also for PVC-
coated poly ester fabric when edge spans
are longer than 20 m.
Bale rings are a good way to contro l stresses in fabric ro of at high
or low po ints. Used at high po ints they must be cov ered to make
the struc ture watertight. If used at low po ints, they can be
used to gather rainwater and sno w for redistrib utio n on site.
Channel (with grommets) and lacing. Used with PVC-
coated polyester fabric where the edge has grommets spaced
at frequent intervals.
Rope is laced thro ugh the grommets and to a tie rod within the
channel.
Water dreainage via Membrane plates
Solar Behaviour
Advantages Disadvantages
•Longer life cycles of materials.
• Little to no rigidity
•Materials can be re-used in form.
• Loss of tension is dangerous for stability
•Most materials are completely recyclable.
• Thermal values limit use
•Less impact on site.
•Less construction debris after demolition.
• Unique designs
• Lightweight and flexible
• Environmentally sensitive
• High strength weight ratio
Tensile Structures
In India
