BUILDING TECHNOLOGY 5 | ARCHI – 4F | GROUP 5
Tensile & Cable Structures
CARREON, AARON AMIEL L.
LOPEZ, TIMOTHY JAMES D.
RIVERA, STEPHEN G.
RONQUILLO, KYLLE DENICE L.
WHAT IS TENSILE AND CABLE STRUCTURES?
Tensile and Cable Structures are structures that rely on systems that uses
tension rather than compression to bear loads and shape spaces. These
structures are known for their lightweight, flexible, and visually striking designs,
making them ideal for large spans like roofs, stadium, and bridges
TENSILE STRUCTURES CABLE STRUCTURES
Structures that uses a network of Structures that rely on tensioned
tensioned membranes (Fabric), these steel cables, often working with
fabrics has different types such as PVC arches or structural elements. These
Coated, PTFE, and ETFE fabrics; over a enable cable structures to span
structural framework. This enables large distances with less materials.
structures to showcase unique shapes
System of Tensile and
Cable Structure
System of Tensile and Cable Structure
Membrane Material
This is the “Fabric” that provides covering or is
the most significant part distinguishing a tensile
Structure.
System of Tensile and Cable Structure | Membrane Material | Different Types
PVC Coated Polyester Fabric
• Made from polyester fibers that is coated
with PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
• Usually used in smaller scale structures such
as tents, awnings, and small canopies
• It is the Cheapest out of all the options
System of Tensile and Cable Structure | Membrane Material | Different Types
PVC Coated Glass Fabric
• Made from glass fibers that is coated with
PVC
• Similar to PVC Coated Polyester Fabric, but is
stronger due to its glass fiber properties
• It is used in medium scale projects, and
temporary to semi-permanent tensile
structures.
System of Tensile and Cable Structure | Membrane Material | Different Types
PTFE Coated Glass Fabric
• A Fabric that is made of Glass Fibers that is
coated with PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) or
known as Teflon
• The Coating gives the fabric waterproof, dirt
resistant, and UV Resistant properties
• It is the most expensive option
Serpentine Galleries
London, United Kingdom
System of Tensile and Cable Structure | Membrane Material | Different Types
ETFE Foils
• It is not classifies as a “Fabric”, rather it is
made of Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE).
• ETFE is a type of durable plastic that is see
through
• Since it is not classified as a fabric, it is
known as a thin sheet or foil
• The material can be inflated or become
bubble-like using air
• Its transparent properties are suitable to be
used in botanical gardens, greenhouses, and
outdoor stadiums
The Shed
Hudson Yards, Manhattan, New York
System of Tensile and Cable Structure
Support Columns
Vertical Elements that carry the weight of the
structure to transfer loads to the foundation.
They often made of steel or concrete
The Millenium Dome
Greenwich Peninsula, London
System of Tensile and Cable Structure
Structural Frameworks
These includes the supporting elements that
hold the membrane in place.
System of Tensile and Cable Structure | Structural Framework
Tension / Steel Cables
Steel cables that provide tension resistance.
This is to hold the shape of the fabric, or hold
large spans of concrete on a bridge.
CCLEX, Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway
Cebu
System of Tensile and Cable Structure | Structural Framework
Fork End Terminals
These terminals connect cables to anchor
points or structural members. They offer a
secure and adjustable connection
System of Tensile and Cable Structure | Structural Framework
Fork End Terminals
These terminals connect cables to anchor
points or structural members. They offer a
secure and adjustable connection
System of Tensile and Cable Structure | Structural Framework
Turn Buckles
These terminals connect cables to anchor
points or structural members. They offer a
secure and adjustable connection
System of Tensile and Cable Structure | Structural Framework
Membrane Plate / Clamping Plate
Plates that hold the membrane securely to the
structural framework or cable system,
distributing the load evenly across the
membrane’s edge
System of Tensile and Cable Structure | Structural Framework
Keder Rails
Extruded Aluminum or steel profiles that hold
the edges of the membrane fabric. The fabric
that reinforced edge (Keder) that slides in a rail
System of Tensile and Cable Structure | Structural Framework
Keder Rails
Extruded Aluminum or steel profiles that hold
the edges of the membrane fabric. The fabric
that reinforced edge (Keder) that slides in a rail
System of Tensile and Cable Structure | Structural Framework
Bale Rings
Use to control the point of anchor of a fabric,
can be low or high.
Types of Tensile Structure
Types of Tensile Structure
Linear Tensile Structure
Linear tensile structures
are made of members
subjected to linear tensile
forces. Linear members
are supported by the
compression members,
while the major loads are
carried out by tensile
members.
Suspension Bridge
Golden Gate Bridge (San Francisco)
Types of Tensile Structure
Three-Dimensional Tensile Structure
Three-dimensional tensile
structure is a compilation
of elements that are
primarily in tension, with
the compression being
transferred to a central
mast and down into the
ground.
Tensegrity Structure
Olympia Park (Munich, Germany)
Types of Tensile Structure
Surface-Stressed Tensile Structure
These structures use a
tensioned membrane or
fabric that is stretched
tightly between support
points. The surface itself
bears the tension.
Gridshell Structure
Bird's Nest Stadium (Beijing, China)
TENSILE CURVATURES
Tensile Curvatures
Anticlastic Curvature
Curvatures are in different
directions or in 90
degrees to each other.
Tensile Curvatures
Synclastic Curvature
Has a concave surface,
the curvature in the
material is from the same
direction.
DIFFERENCES
Feature Anticlastic Curvature Synclastic Curvature
Curvature Direction Opposite directions Same direction
Stability High stability due to opposing Stable but may require
curvatures additional support
Load Distribution Efficient distribution with Effective but may have more
minimal deflection deflection
Material Efficiency More material-efficient for May require thicker materials
large spans for large spans
Common Applications Sports arenas, exhibition halls Domes, auditoriums
BASIC FORMS OF TENSILE
MEMBRANES
Basic Forms of Tensile Membranes | Anticlastic Curvature
Hypar
Quadrilateral tensioned
at four points, too high
and too low, to create
opposing curves.
Basic Forms of Tensile Membrane
Conical
Also adopts double curvature to
give it strength, the loads are
spread horizontally around the
full fabric form and vertically
from the apex to the base.
Basic Forms of Tensile Membranes
Barrel Vault
Can only be created with an inner steel aluminum timber structure
tensioning the membrane or the fabric to create the curves.
Basic Forms of Tensile Membranes | Synclastic Curvature
Cable Net
Creates a dimensionally
stable shape, created
when constant air
pressure forms the
fabric into a shape, air
pressure maintains the
tension under which the
fabric needs to be to
absorb the
environmental loads.
MAINTENANCE OF TENSILE STRUCTURES
1.Monitoring the tension of cables and connections
2.Structural Inspection
3.Visual Inspection
4.Gentle/Pressure Washing the Membrane
ADVANTAGES OF TENSILE STRUCTURES
1. Cost-Effective and Efficient
2. Natural Light and Ventilation
3. Aesthetic Versatility
4. Minimal Material Use
5. Durability
DISADVANTAGES OF TENSILE STRUCTURES
1. Limited Load Support
2. Weather Sensitivity
3. Maintenance Challenges
4. Complex Installation
5. Architectural Design Limitations
TYPES OF CABLE STRUCTURE
Milau Viaduct Types of Cable Structure
Cable Stayed Structure
France
Particularly in the
context of bridges, it is
a type of bridge design
characterized by one
or more vertical
towers (or pylons)
from which cables
support the bridge
deck.
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (Japan)
Types of Cable Structure
Suspension Structure
A suspension structure is an
engineering design that uses
cables or rods to support loads,
primarily through tension. The
main components are cables
that hang from tall towers or
masts. These cables carry the
weight of the structure and are
under tension.
DIFFERENCES
Feature Cable Stayed Structure Suspension Structure
Load-Bearing Mechanism Cables run directly from the Main cables hang between towers
towers to the deck, transferring and are anchored at both ends,
loads directly to the towers. with vertical suspenders
connecting to the deck.
Cable Arrangement Cables are arranged in a fan-like Main cables pass over towers and
or parallel pattern directly are anchored on either side, with
connecting to the deck. hangers suspending the deck.
Span Length Typically effective for spans Suitable for longer spans, typically
between 150 m to 1000 m. 800 m to 2000 m.
Construction Complexity Generally simpler and faster to More complex and expensive due
construct due to fewer materials to large anchorages and extensive
and no need for large anchorages. cable systems.
Material Usage Generally uses less steel cable Requires more steel due to
compared to suspension bridges, extensive main cable systems and
utilizing more precast concrete anchorage structures.
sections.
ADVANTAGES OF CABLE STRUCTURES
1. Tensile Strength
2. Architectural Design Flexibility
3. Rapid Construction
4. Aesthetic Appeal
5. Cost-Effective
DISADVANTAGES OF CABLE STRUCTURES
1.Vulnerability to Environmental Factors
2. Complexity and Cost
3. Load Distribution Challenges
4. Maintenance Requirements
5. Limitation on Length and Span
EXAMPLES OF TENSILE
STRUCTURES (FOREIGN)
DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Denver, Colorado
ASHFORD DESIGNER OUTLET
Ashford, UK
EXAMPLES OF TENSILE
STRUCTURES (LOCAL)
SM CITY BAGUIO
Baguio City, Benguet
NATIONAL SCIENCE COMPLEX (NSC)
AMPHITHEATER IN UP DILIMAN
Quezon City, Quezon
AYALA MALLS SOLENAD
Santa Rosa, Laguna
R AVENUE
Tarlac City, Tarlac
EXAMPLES OF CABLE
STRUCTURES (FOREIGN)
INCHEON BRIDGE
Incheon, South Korea
AKASHI KAIKYO BRIDGE
Awaji Island – Kobe, Japan
EXAMPLES OF CABLE
STRUCTURES (LOCAL)
CEBU-CORDOVA EXPRESSWAY LINK
Cebu Metropolitan Area
MARCELO B. FERNAN BRIDGE
Cebu Metropolitan Area
PUENTE COLGANTE
Pasig
