Tensile Structure
Tensile Structure
STRUCTURES
Ar. C.N.Vaishnavi
Ar.M.Padma
Tensile structure
A tensile structure is a construction of elements carrying
only tension and no compression or bending.
Tensile structures are the most common type of thin-shell
structures.
Most tensile structures are supported by some form of
compression or bending elements, such as masts,
compression rings or beams.
A tensile membrane structure is most often used as
a roof, as they can economically and attractively span
large distances.
Types of Suspended roof structures
Flexible Membrane
Cable Network
Double Layered
MATERIALS :
•Steel Cables : The high tensile strength of steel combined
with the efficiency of simple tension, makes a steel cable the
ideal structural element to span large distances.
Either a cable frame or a skeleton frame can form the structure that sustains
the membrane.
Synthetic fibres and glass fibres are now utilized and coating materials have
enabled the structures to contain both water and fire resistant qualities.
Membrane structures carry loads by membrane forces only, with no or
only insignificant bending.
Outstanding • In daylight, fabric membrane translucency offers soft diffused naturally lit
spaces reducing the interior lighting costs.
Translucency • while at night, artificial lighting creates an ambient exterior luminescence.
• With several different membranes in the market place such as PTFE fiber
Good glass, ETFE film, PVC, and ePTFE, the durability and longevity of tensile
Durability membrane structures have been proven and built in climates ranging from
the frigid arctic to the scorching desert heat.
Lightweight • The lightweight nature of membrane is a cost effective solution that requires
less structural steel to support the roof compared to conventional building
Nature materials, enabling long spans of column-free space.
Maintenance • Tensile membrane systems are somewhat unique in that they require minimal
maintenance when compared to an equivalent-sized conventional building.
• Most tensile membrane structures have high sun reflectivity and low
Cost Benefits absorption of sunlight, thus resulting in less energy used within a building
and ultimately reducing electrical energy costs.
Code • Depending on the type of membrane and overall project design, tensile
membrane systems appropriately meet the various associated building code
Compliance requirements.
• Whether it’s a permanent durable structure that needs to last longer than 30
Variety of years, an insulated membrane system for thermal performance, or a
Membranes deployable flexible application, there are a variety of tensile membranes to
choose from to meet specific performances for your next building project.
illustrating a conic and its anticlastic shape
Another anticlastic shape is the hypar
Anticlastic structure with arch supports