Design of Fabric Structure-Synopsis
Design of Fabric Structure-Synopsis
Abstract:
The tensioned fabric structures are comparatively new to the engineering world. There are
relatively limited resources available for the analysis and design of such structures. In this report the
design and analysis of tensioned fabric structures is studied. Since the material properties play a key
role in the durability of tension fabric structures, the ideal material characteristics, as well as the current
available fabrics need to be described. Both the strength of the employed materials and the load
considerations for design shall be outlined. The report shall follow by explaining the process of roughly
assessing the scope of a project, as well as the variety of non-linear analysis that must be performed and
the methods used to perform them. This report shall conclude with key connection details that must be
considered for a successful tension fabric structure.
Objectives:
Study of Conceptual Design of Membrane Structures.
Identifying the ideal material characteristics required and the current fabrics available.
To perform the analysis of Fabric Structures using variety of non-linear methods.
Advantages:
Design Flexibility- A fabric structure provides tremendous flexibility in design,
including shapes and colors. The material's elasticity and strength can accommodate
varying loads to enable architects/engineers further design capabilities.
Permanent / Transportable- High-performance fabric structures can be utilized for
permanent applications. In the event where a structure may be needed for a short-term
temporary application, a fabric structure is certainly easier to move to a new location.
Cost Effectiveness- A fabric structure is typically much less expensive than the brick
and mortar option.
Energy Efficient- The ease of design to accommodate energy savings in a fabric
structure is ideal.
Atmospheric Discharge Control- The chemical resistivity of the synthetic-resin
coated fabric is ideal for managing air quality in conditions that would be harmful to
the environment.
Scope:
Fabric Structures provide very fast and economical construction.
Large spans in buildings like stadiums, temporary structures, etc. can be achieved by
using Fabric structures.
Produces very less pollutants and wastes while construction as compared to any other
form of construction, hence it is environment friendly. They are also 100% recyclable.
Best suited for portable industrial or commercial structures.
Fabric structures are weatherproof & also fire resistant.
Tensile fabric structures are translucent. The woven base cloth combined with the
appropriate coating allows a light transmission value of around 10%.
Reference:
Vittorio C. Agnesi, Conceptual Design of Membrane Structures, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, Cambridge, United States, 1998
Barnes, Michael; Dickson, Michael, Widespan Roof Structures, T. Telford; ASCE Press,
Reston; London, 2000.
Huntington, Craig G., The Tensioned Fabric Roof, American Society of Civil Engineers,
Reston, 2004.
Shaeffer, R.E., Tensioned Fabric Structures: A Practical Introduction, American Society of
Civil Engineers Press, New York, 1996.