CONTEMPORARY

BUILDING MATERIALS
 CONTEMPORARY BUILDING MATERIALS
Contemporary architecture is the architecture of the 21st century. No single
style is dominant; contemporary architects are working in several different styles,
from postmodernism and high-tech architecture to highly conceptual and
expressive forms and designs, resembling sculpture on an enormous scale. The
different styles and approaches have in common the use of very advanced
technology and modern building materials
INTRODUCTION
A tensile structure is a construction of elements carrying only tension.
The term tensile should not be confused with tensegrity.
Tensile structures are the most common type of thinshell structures.
TENSILE STRUCTRES bring style, curvature, translucency, and clear large
spans to building scales.
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HISTORY
Tensile structures have long been used in tents, where the guy ropes and tent
poles provide pre-tension to the fabric and allow it to withstand loads.
The concept was mastered by German architect and engineer FREI OTTO, whose
first use of the idea was in the construction of the WEST GERMAN PAVILION
AT EXPO 67 in Montreal.
Since the 1960s tensile structures have been promoted by designers and
engineers.
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Material
Two main types of materials used are:
MEMBRANE MATERIALS i.e. TENSILE FABRIC
CABLES
COMPRESSION MEMBERS.
The materials used are constantly being developed, as
sustainability and performance become more and more
important.
MEMBRANE MATERIALS
The biological based woven cotton and canvas , which we use
to create the first fabric structures have been replaced by some
of the most technical man made fabrics, to achieve permanent
and lasting fabric architecture.
Modern coated fabrics have similar aesthetic properties, with
some significant performance advantages, such as increased
strength, cleaning, print ability, solar shading, acoustic
characteristics.
They also resist the absorption of moisture, resulting in much
longer life spans.
In general we use two generic types of coated fabrics:
• STRUCTURAL COATED FABRICS
• MESH FABRICS
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STRUCTURAL COATED FABRICS:
A coated structural fabric consists of a woven base cloth stabilized and protected
by a coating on both sides.
The base cloth consists of warp threads running the length of the roll and weft
threads running across the width.
The woven base cloth gives the structural strength while the coating gives weather
proofing, colour and other technical qualities.
MESH FABRICS
A mesh fabric is a coated cloth with spacing between the thread bundles.
With some meshes for interiors use the threads are coated before weaving.
Due to openness factor of the mesh they are primarily used as shading and light
diffusing device.
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Cables
Cables can be of mild steel, high strength steel (drawn carbon
steel), stainless steel, polyester or bamboo.
Structural cables are made of a series of small strands twisted
or bound together to form a much larger cable.
Steel cables are either spiral strand, where circular rods are
twisted together and "glued" using a polymer, or locked coil
strand, where individual interlocking
steel strands form the cable (often with a spiral strand core).
FORMS

While it is possible to have flat tensile membrane, the key to

strength & stability lies in the principle of double curvature.
There are in all two types of double curvatures:
ANTICLASTIC CURVE
SINCLASTIC CURVE

sinclastic anticlastic
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THE BASIC FORMS OF TENSILE ARCHITECTURE HYPAR

Traditional sail like form
Theory of hypar often applied to other polygonal shapes
Complex undulating forms can be obtained with multiple high and low connection points.
CONIC
Loads are spread horizontally around the full fabric form & vertically from apex to base
BARREL SHAPPED VAULT
Although featuring double curvature it can only be created with a steel, aluminium or timber
structure tensioning the membrane placed to create the curve.
INFLATABLE
Adopts sinclastic curve to create dimensionally stable shape
Inflatable cushions are created where constant air pressure form the fabric into a shape
Commonly used with a clear foil material called ETFE foil , PVC can also be used.
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SOLAR CONTROL
Traditionally curtains & blind to control light
transmission.
We look for ways in which the light transmission can
be controlled, diffused & reflected.
Combining practical application & aesthetic element
is the key benefit.
TEMPORARY INSTALLATIONS
Fabric panels are smaller to reduce storage & often
the way we work with the loads has to be changed.
Tensile structures are particularly situated for
commercial schemes, where projects serves life of 20
to 30 years before it becomes outdated and requires
redevelopment.
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ACOUSTICS
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INSULATION
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PRINTING
PRINTING CONSIDERATIONS
color and size of the image
lighting of the structure
internal or external use
print/fabric opacity
required remount-ability
fire rating
ENVIRONMENTAL
As most of the materials can recycled or reused, the environmental impact of
TENSILE STRUCTURE is far less.
PROCESS
Designing a TENSILE STRUCTURE is as much an ART, as it is a SCIENCE.
Throughout the designing process decisions are made on how the canopy will be
constructed to meet the aesthetic, functional & engineering requirements
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ENGINEERING
Environmental loads like wind loads, suctions, pressure, snow loads, snow drifts,
they attack the fabric & the fabric withstands it.
MANUFACTURE
It can be entirely manufactured off site.
Large clear span spaces are required for the fabrication of tensile structures,as the
surface area of piece can reach hundred’s of square metres.
Two processes are involved in customizing a whole piece of fabric viz.
CUTTING & JOINING.
CUTTING:
The large piece of fabric is first cut according to the requirement using
machine
JOINING
WELDING
Two pieces of fabric are mostly joined by WELDING them together.
Some fabric are joined using RADIO
FREQUENCY WELDING.
Not all fabrics can be welded easily, and some require a bonding tape to
ensure that they are welded properly.
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STITCHING
Stitching is done for small scale projects and for reinforcement in som
patches of larger membrane.
UV stable thread to join the material.
GLUEING
For some materials like silicone coated glass cloth, welding or sewing is not
enough.
A high bondage glue is used for joining in these cases.
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TENSILE STRUCTURE MATERIALS
Structural Fabric
Structural fabric is the material that defines
lightweight tensile structures.
Requirements
As a primary structural element, it must have
the strength to span between supporting
elements, carry snow and wind loads, and be
safe to walk on.
As enclosure element, it needs to be airtight,
waterproof, fire resistant and durable.
As daily use element, it requires to transmit
daylight, reflect heat, control sound, and be
easy to keep clean.
Sample Materials
Fiberglass, Polyester Cloth, PVC, Teflon.
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RIGID STRUCTURAL
ELEMENTS
Rigid structural elements, such as
masts, struts and arches, are to support
the flexible fabric and cable
membrane, generate its peaks, form
its edges, and create the anchors that
hold it down.
Requirements
The rigid elements in tensile
structures must be strong, light,
reliable, readily available, easy to
fabricate, transport and erect.
Sample Materials
Steel, Reinforced Concrete, Pre-stress
Concrete, Laminated Wood,
Aluminum, Composite Synthetic
Materials.
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CABLES
Cables serve a number of functions in tensile structure applications:
reinforcement of the fabric where the spans and stresses get too large; linear
tension support elements along ridges, valleys and edges; tie-backs and stays to
stabilize rigid support element.
Requirements
The cables need to be light, high-strength and flexible to some extent.
Sample Materials
High Strength Bridge Strand, Steel, Kavlar Fiber, Glass Fiber.

High-strength Steel Cable Main Stay Cable End Fittings

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WHAT IS A TENSILE FABRIC STRUCTURE?
Tensile fabric structures are characterised by the tensioning of a membrane
system, typically with wire or cable. Using tension throughout structure provides
the membrane with critical structural support.
Tensile architecture is the most common form of thin-shell structures.
Tensile structures (otherwise known as tension structures) can hold many forms
although it is generally based on two basic building designs; the Saddle and the
Cone.
This creates dramatic structural architecture and offers a variety of free form
designs. The tensioning of the fabric eliminates and creases in the membrane and
is strong enough to withstand any severe weather and potential damage.
WHEN TO USE A TENSILE FABRIC STRUCTURE?
Tensile membranes can be used in a variety of situations. They use less material
than traditional structures and as a result, weigh less and are easier to transport.

They are flexible, robust and can be tailored to your exact requirements. As well
as being practical, tensile fabric structures are a showpiece feature that offers an
impressive local focal point.
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WHERE TO USE A TENSILE FABRIC STRUCTURE?
Tension structures can be used as a showpiece element that stands out against
both traditional and modern buildings, urban focal point and local icons.
Membrane canopies are ideal for wide column-free areas. The structures can span
unsupported lengths of up to 150 feet and up to twice that amount with steel cable
nets, and air structures can span thousands of feet without columns.
Our tensile structures are great for temporary buildings, from schools and
education centres or travelling exhibits.
Need a prefab modular building? Our metal-framed tensioned structures are the
most cost-effective modular frame buildings available.
Tensile structures are brilliant, lightweight additions to existing buildings and can
act as canopies, skylights, sheltered walkways, shaded areas or atrium roofing.
Tensile fabric structures are all prefabricated to engineered drawings and
calculations, and applications include:
Entrances
Walkways
Sports Stadiums
Retail
Exhibitions
Landmarks
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AN ANY SHAPE BE CREATED?
• As previously mentioned, tensile fabric structures are based on two basic
building blocks of tensile structures. However, this is not to say that they are
not versatile. The beauty of a tensile fabric structure is the ability to design
and create them around your specific requirements. Every canopy uses the
curves and principles of either the Saddle or the Cone, or combines elements
of both. The Saddle is a hyperbolic paraboloid which means that it is a surface
made by two high points and two low points.
• The geometry of the surface is orthogonal or made by the warping of a
rectangular grid.
• The Cone is like a volcano shape using a radial geometry created by radians
and hoops to create surfaces. These two forms can be combined to create an
infinite number of permutations much like the circle and the square with
classical architecture.
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WHAT FABRICS ARE USED?
All fabrics will stretch when pulled in opposite directions to create tension
however, some fabrics exhibit different characteristics. There are currently four
types of fabrics that are used today for tensile fabric structures:
PVC Coated Polyester Fabric
This is a cost-effective fabric having a 10 to 20-year lifespan. It has been used in
numerous applications worldwide for over 40 years and it is easy to move for
temporary building applications. PVC meets B.S 7837 for Fire Code.
PTFE Coated Glass Fabric (permanent structures only)
This has a 30-year lifespan and is completely inert. It does not degrade under
ultraviolet rays and is considered non-combustible by most building codes. PTFE
meets B.S 476 Class 0 for Fire Code.
ETFE Foils (permanent structures only)
This is used in inflated pillow structures where thermal properties are important.
The foil can be transparent or fritted much like laminated glass products to allow
any level of translucency.
PVC Glass Fabrics
This material is used for internal tensile sails, such as features in atriums, glare
control systems, with a minimal need for maintenance. PVC glass fabrics meet
B.S 476 Class 0 for Fire Code.
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ARE TENSILE STRUCTURES ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE?
Tensile structures generally use light coloured roofs to reduce the heat that is
attracted. They use very small amounts of material for large spans; they allow for
natural ventilation using the Venturi effect and they provide translucency for
natural daylighting. PVC polyester, expanded PTFE, polyolefin fabrics and ETFE
foils can be recycled by the supplier for lower grade applications.

TYPES OF FABRIC STRUCTURES

Saddle roof
Mast supported
Arch supported
Combinations
Saddle roof
Four or more point system
stretched between a set of alternating
high and low points
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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.
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Arch supported
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.
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Combination ADVANTAGE
Combination of several support types. • 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.
• Unique designs
• Lightweight and flexible
• Environmentally sensitive
Solar Behaviour
• High strength weight ratio
DISADVANTAGE
• Little to no rigidity
• Loss of tension is dangerous for stability
• Thermal values limit use
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GRANSTAND TENSILE MEMBRANE STRUCTURES

Designs and builds grandstand structures for a variety of sporting and event facilities to
provide shade or shelter from weather conditions such as sun, hail, snow, and rain.
FabriTec has built grandstands for many sporting events uses including baseball,
football, soccer, swimming, and tennis. FabriTec tensile structures are in use by
collegiate, professional, and Olympic level venues around the world.
Built in half the time and at around half the cost of a conventional building,
precision-crafted tensile membrane structures give architects, engineers, and
developers a great alternative to conventional construction. There are shapes, forms, and
surfaces that can be created with a lightweight fabric architecture that cannot be
replicated with any other method of construction.
Tensile grandstands are low maintenance, provide abundant natural light, and are
sustainable.

Materials
Membrane
ETFE foil
PTFE
PVC fabrics
Support structures, cables, fittings
Cold-formed carbon steel
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INTRODUCTION – 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY

Printing with a three-dimentional (3D) printer; is the process of converting objects modeled in the
computerized environment into real objects in layers using the required raw materials. The 3D
printer, seen as a complex and expensive technology in the years it was invented.
However, it has been one of the most important facts of the industry over the years. Since 1983, the
date Charles W. invented 3D printer, the new technology shows rapid developments and entered into
every field of various industry, such as automotive, aerospace and space technology and medicine,
today .
Tissue engineering and regenerative development have made it possible to print such organs or
tissues with the help of bio-printers produced by 3D printing technology.
These achievements attract the attention of different industries and science fields about 3D printing
technology. The 3D printing version of the concrete is currently being studied in the construction
industry applications and academia
Today, with advances in technology, it is possible to print engineering structures with a 3D printer .
3D printing has become an innovative and promising method, with an increase in use for
cementitious material.
The use of this printing technique in waste materials and recyclable materials is under investigation
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Nasa reveals that ―we will not be able to get everything we need from our world for the
habitats that will be created on the surface of the mars and moon, and even beyond, and
the explorers who will go there.
Because it is impossible to take all these conventional resources from our world, we
are competing for technological ideas and innovative inventions to create structures that
will enable the establishment of habitats that can be lived with 3D printers in places
where we are goingǁ.
Nasa also has intensive activities in 3D concrete printing works .
In global and regional terms all countries and research groups that are effective in
construction industry should change their focus on revolutionary innovations and
technological developments for determination and management of models and methods
to investigate and additional studies on 3D printing
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Winsun: 3D Printed House (2013) – 3D Printed Office (2016)
In 2013 a Shanghai based company called Winsun produced 10 small full- size prefabricated homes
in just one day.
The material that is extruded from the printer’s nozzle is a trademarked mixture consisting of
concrete, cement, glass fiber reinforced gypsum, and fiber reinforced plastics bonded together with a
proprietary additive that enables the concrete to fully cure within a couple of days (depending on
compressive strength). 50% of this material is sourced from recycled construction waste.
The key to this mixture is finding a balance between flow-ability and build- ability so that the
concrete can support itself without the need for formwork, while also maintaining a sufficient
compressive strength. Although Winsun does not release their specific design.
It must be noted that these homes are not entirely printed on site, but rather prefabricated in a factory
and shipped on site where the walls are placed onto pre poured slab foundations and reinforced with
traditional steel reinforcement.
Additionally, the roof, doors, and windows are not printed using 3DP technology. Each wall is
printed in a hollow fashion with an internal diagonal zig-zagging reinforcement system .
This allows for the architects to implement calculated paths for insulation, plumbing, and electrical
within their computer aided designs .
Three years later, Winsun used the same printer and material to produce the worlds’ first 3DP office
building for the United Arab Emirates National Committee as their headquarters for the Dubai
Future Foundation (DFF).
This 2,700 square foot building was also printed offsite in a factory, cut in half for shipping
purposes, and assembled onsite. The entire crew consisted of 18 laborers, including one printer
operator, seven laborers for assembly, and ten laborers for mechanical and electrical .
The total project duration from beginning of printing to finished assembly took only 17 days for a
total of $140,000 in construction and labor costs .
Time, Cost, and Materials Savings
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1.) Time Savings: Winsun’s 3DP technique for the construction of both the 10 houses and
office building in Dubai were reported to have, on average, a 30% schedule reduction
than that of similar buildings using traditional construction methods
(futureofconstruction.org, 2016).
2.) Cost Savings: Compared to traditional on-site construction methods, Winsun was able
to save about 80% on construction and labor costs
3.) Materials Savings: The accuracy and precision of Winsun’s 3D concrete printer
results in 30-60% less material waste as compared to traditional concrete placing
(depending on size of printed components). This reduction in waste accounts for absence
of formwork since Winsun’s fast- curing concrete mixture is able to support itself while
being extruded layer upon layer. Additionally, 50% of the concrete material used has
been sourced from construction waste
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ADVANTAGES OF 3DP
3DP technology offers many advantages to the construction industry. The four main areas
where 3DP can have the most significant effects are in labor efficiency, time and cost
savings, environmental/economic impacts, and design complexity.
LIMITATIONS OF 3DP
Although the potential advantages of 3DP seem promising, the existing state of the
technology possesses many limiting factors that impair its growth in the construction
industry.
The first and most obvious limitation is the sheer size of the printers.
Material is next largest limiting factor. As it exists today, construction grade 3DP
technology is only compatible with various concrete mixtures, and plastics. Such concrete
mixtures range from lightweight air-entrained concrete, to eco-friendly concrete mixtures
that utilize construction waste, to structural concrete.
There is also high reluctance from general contracting companies to invest in 3DP
technology.
Building codes and regulations also pose as a large barrier for 3D printing in
construction. Most building codes and procurement standards make no mention of 3DP
technology therefore making it difficult to legally implement 3DP components onto large
scale projects
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How 3D Printing Has Transformed the Construction Industry ?
Considering the competitive nature of the construction industry, 3D printing offers
contractors an innovative way to set themselves apart from their competitors. To prove
this point, here are eight advantages that using a 3D printer could give to the construction
field
Reduced Injury
One of the biggest benefits that 3D printers have presented to construction workers is a
reduction in injuries in the field. Considering that building with concrete is
difficult—even dangerous—this is a welcome improvement. Not only do workers have
an easier time doing their job, but employers have less worker's compensation paperwork
to wade through due to injuries on the job.
Reduced Material Cost
Another improvement is a considerable reduction of material waste. 3D printers use the
exact amount of concrete needed for the wall, floor, or whatever it is that you want to
build. Builders and GCs don't have to order in bulk because they'll know exactly how
much material they need. Not only is this a more sustainable, environmentally friendly
way to build, but it also results in reduce costs for the contractor.
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Quicker Construction
his is where concrete 3D printers truly set themselves apart from traditional construction
methods. Where a project may sometimes take weeks--or months— to complete, 3D
printers can often finish a project in a matter of hours or days. An entire house was once
constructed in 24 hours! This allows contractors to move onto other projects sooner...and
with more orders filled, more money is brought in for the contractor.
New Markets
Using a 3D printer also allows construction companies to work in markets that might
have otherwise been inaccessible to them before. And for new construction companies,
having a 3D printer on hand could set them apart from companies that have been around
for a few decades and are resistant to change.
Similarly, traditional and established construction companies could utilize 3D printers to
make sure they remain relevant in the market. Essentially, 3D printers can be used as a
means to enter a new market but also to give an already established company a
competitive edge.
Cheaper Construction
Overall, the use of 3D printers costs less than traditional construction techniques and
processes. With the reduction of injuries, time, and material cost, companies will see a
dramatic increase in their profits. And while some workers will probably have to be let
go, others will remain, since someone still needs to be able to put all of the pieces
together. By learning the technology, workers have a chance to maintain their job security
as well. They'll earn more, as will the company as a whole.
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Improved Form
3D printers are renowned for their ability to create seemingly odd and atypical design
structures. Now construction companies can utilize that to offer their clients unique
buildings designed entirely for them. This can open up their portfolio to certain
individuals who may not want the standard rectangular options.