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Fabric Structures
Fabric Structures
FABRIC
STRUCTURES
OPEN STRUCTURE
CHICAGO’S NAVY PIER
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
• 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.
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
• Unique designs • Little to no rigidity
Saddle roof
Mast supported
Arch supported
Point supported
Combinations
SADDLE ROOF
Four or more point system when the
fabric is stretched between a set of
alternating high and low points
MAST SUPPORTED
Tent - like structures containing one or
more peaks supported by poles (masts)
or a compression ring that connects the
fabric to the central support.
ARCH SUPPORTED
Curved compression members are used
as the main supporting elements and
cross arches are used for lateral stability.
ALUMINUM FRAME SUPPORT
COMBINATIONS
Combination of several support types.
COMPONENTS
BASE PLATE
• MAST SUPPORTED
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.
MEMBRANE
Forms the enclosure of the structure. Connections can be glued
or heat welded.
MEMBRANES
PVC
Less expensive
15 to 20 year life span
Easy to erect
SILICON GLASS
Higher tensile strength
Brittle, subject to damage from flexing
30+ year life span
TEFLON GLASS
Similar to silicon glass, less brittle.
SPECIALIZED HARDWARE
SPECIALIZED HARDWARE
Centenary cables
at a side
connection
Tensioner
SPECIALIZED HARDWARE
CABLE CLAMPS
WATER DRAINAGE VIA MEMBRANE PLATES
OPEN STRUCTURE
WATER DRAINAGE
CLOSED STRUCTURE
SOLAR BEHAVIOR
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Longer life cycles of materials.
end