What is Tensile Membrane Structures?
Tensile Membrane Structure is a structure that uses tension of canvas and cables anchored to the structure to create shape. This is also the tensile structure that is the most common type of thin shell structure.
Tensile structures (also known as tension structures) can take many forms although it is usually based on two basic construction designs; Saddle and Cone. Tension of specialized canvas (PVDF, PTFE) eliminates wrinkles in the membrane and is strong enough to withstand all harsh weather and possible damage.
When to use Tensile Fabric (stretch canvas)
Tensile Fabric can be used in many different covering applications such as roofing, facade solution or interior decoration designs, etc. Because it is a lightweight material, it uses less structure than traditional structures and therefore saves on transportation and erection support costs. They are flexible, powerful and can be tailored to the exact requirements of each project. In fact, tensile membrane structures are used by many architects as a solution to create many outstanding landscape structures, creating highlights.
Popular forms of architectural stretch canvas
Tensile Membrane Structure whose main structure relies on the curvature of the surface to withstand the load effectively. The structure uses the tension of architectural stretch canvas, almost like a concrete suspension bridge structure with cables. If the architectural stretch canvas can maintain a flat and taut surface, the cable suspension bridge will maintain the horizontal concrete floor even if it is affected by any type of force.
This type of architecture helps optimize the amount of materials used and lighten the load-bearing volume of the underlying foundation system. In general, we can divide architectural stretch canvas into four basic forms: hypar or saddle, Barrel Vault, Conic and Inflatable.
Basic theory of force transmission paths of architectural stretch canvas
Basic Hyperbolic Parboloid structure, any point on the architectural canvas surface can be constrained by corner points. The two high points receive the downward force and the two low points resist the wind force. Flat architectural stretch canvas means that the smaller the height difference between the high point and the low point, the greater the load force on the corners.
The inflatable architectural canvas structure is synclastic in which air pressure creates a double curvature architectural canvas shape. Anticlastic forms, like hyperbolic paraboloids, have opposite curvatures.
Nearly all architectural canvas awnings are derived from one or a combination of these three shapes. The surface is transformed from one or a combination of these three shapes. The surface of architectural stretch canvas receives a characteristic bending force.
Diversity in architectural stretch canvas shaping
The challenge for architects is to develop new, innovative shapes of architectural canvases that respond to the conditions of the structural surface. Developing the new shape means upgrading the basic elements of the architectural stretch canvas and changing the design of the outer rim connections, in other words it allows a significant change of a structure. bamboo.
Architectural canvas forms can be soft or pointed, dome-shaped or leaf-like. They frequently combine these forms.
Pre-Stress is a form of tension used in the process of stretching the membrane to form a roof. The shape of the architectural canvas surface is determined by the ratio of stresses in the two main directions of curvature. They are set during the computer drafting process. The absolute values of stress must be carefully calculated so that the surface of the architectural stretch canvas is capable of withstanding the forces acting on it.
The stress in the architectural stretch canvas structure will be responsible for dispersing the load force every time the architectural stretch canvas is affected by the weight applied from above. If not carefully calculated, the stress guide on the architectural stretch canvas is not enough, causing the area under direct load to sag, and wrinkles will appear on the architectural stretch canvas.
Therefore, if the stress is not strong enough, impacts on the architectural stretch canvas surface, such as heavy snowfall, may be deposited.
Where to use Tensile Membrane Structures?
Stretch canvas structures have the advantage of being used as a striking element against traditional and modern buildings, urban focal points and local symbols.
The advantage of having a large span is ideal for projects with large areas requiring ventilation and limited columns. Structures can span unsupported lengths of up to 150 feet and twice that amount with steel cable mesh, and air structures can span thousands of feet without columns.
Tensile fabric can be applied in a variety of applications for civil projects, schools, resorts, restaurants, landscapes, shopping centers, theme parks, stadiums, or other projects. Unique glamping tent structure.
Can multiple shapes be created?
Tensile fabric structure is based on two basic building blocks of tensile structures. However, this does not mean that they are not diverse. The beauty of tensile fabric structures is the ability to design and create any architectural form.
Every design involving tensile fabric uses curves and principles of either Hypar or Conic, or a combination of both. The Hypar structure is a tensioned form created by two high points and two low points to keep the tensioned surface flat and withstand impact and wind forces.
Conic structure (cone shape) like a volcano shape that uses radial geometry by radians and circles to create surfaces. These two forms can be combined to create countless permutations that resemble circles and squares with classical architecture.
What type of material is 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 used today for load-bearing fabric structures:
PVC Coated Polyester Fabric: This is a cost-effective fabric that has a lifespan of 10 to 20 years. It has been used in many applications worldwide for over 40 years and is easily portable for temporary construction applications. PVC meets BS 7837 Fire Code.
PTFE coated glass fabric (for fixed structures only): This has a lifespan of 30 years and is completely inert. It does not decompose under ultraviolet light and is considered non-flammable by most building codes. PTFE meets BS 476 Class 0 for Fire Code.
ETFE (only for structures requiring use over 20 years): This is used in inflatable pillow structures where thermal properties are important. Foil can be clear or textured like laminated glass products to allow any degree of translucency.
PVC glass fabric: This material is used for internal tensile sails, such as features in louvers, glare control systems, with minimal maintenance needs. PVC glass fabrics meet BS 476 Class 0 for the Fire Code.
Flexiiform is a company that designs and constructs professional Tensile Fabric structures in Vietnam. With a team of Architects and Engineers who are professionally trained and skilled.
We are proud to be the only unit in Vietnam to receive expert advice from Fastech Company – The leading company designing and constructing stretch canvas structures in Thailand, with reputation and nearly 30 years of experience in the industry and successfully implementing more than 1,000 stretch canvas projects in Thailand and Southeast Asia.
With the strength of creative ideas in stretch canvas architectural design, along with practical construction methods, Flexiiform is confident to bring the most optimal solutions for each specific project, especially large-scale projects. structure-related projects Stretch canvas cover.
Contact FlexiiForm consulting or visit Fanpage FlexiiForm and Website to learn more about service and product information.
