Tensile Fabric Structures – Properties, Types and Advantages

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Fabric tensile structures is a stretched fabric material  in surface tension formed to a three-dimensional surface that can be used to create a roof, shading, or decorative component by tensioning it to cables and . It is constructed using a specialised fabrics under tension to support self-weight and take care of the live load providing a very cost effective and covering a large distances without intermediate supports. A fabric material consists of three main components are fabric substrate, coating and top coating. In this article we study about the properties, types of fabric, types of top coating and advantages of fabric tensile structure.

Properties of Fabrics for Tensile Structures

the different properties of a fabric which are considered for design are

1. Tensile Strength

It is a basic indicator of relative strength. It is fundamental for architectural fabrics that function primarily in tension.

2. Tear Strength

Tear strength is important in that if a fabric ruptures in place, it generally will do so by tearing.

3. Adhesion Strength

It is a measure of the strength of the bond between the base material and coating or film laminate that protects it. It is useful for evaluating the strength of welded joints for connecting strips of fabric into fabricated assembly.

4. Flame Retardancy 

Fabric that contains a flame-retardant coating can withstand even a very hot point source. However, it can still burn if a large ignition source is present.

5. Flexibility

Free Form Tensile fabric allows one to use free form in building construction as it is flexible material.

Types of Fabric Material for Tensile Structures

Fabric structures are composed of actual fabric rather than meshes or films. Typically, the fabric is coated and laminated with synthetic materials for increased strength, durability, and environmental resistance. Different type of fabrics used in tensile structures are,

1. Cotton Canvas

This is oldest n commonly used fabric material for the making of tents and shades on old days. It can be a light cotton twill, light canvas, or heavy proofed canvas.

2. Polyesters

The property of strength, durability, cost, and stretch make polyester material the most widely used in fabric structures. Polyesters that are laminated or coated with PVC films are usually the least expensive option for longer-term fabrications. Polyester fabrics are futher divided into 2 types,

A. Vinyl-laminated polyesters

A laminated fabric usually is composed of a reinforcing polyester scrim pressed between two layers of unsupported PVC film. For most fabric structure uses, however, it refers to two or more layers of fabric or film joined by heat, pressure, and an adhesive to form a single ply.

B. Vinyl-coated polyester

Vinyl-coated polyester is made up of a polyester scrim, a bonding or adhesive agent, and exterior PVC coatings. It  is the most frequently used material for flexible fabric structures.

3. Fiberglass

Woven fiberglass coated with PTFE is also a widely used base material. Glass fibres are drawn into continuous filaments, which are then bundled into yarns. The yarns are woven to form a substrate. The fiberglass carries a high ultimate tensile strength, behaves elastically, and does not suffer from significant stress relaxation or creep.  Because of its energy efficiency, high melting temperature and lack of creep, fiberglass-based fabrics have been the material of choice for stadium domes and other permanent structures. Fiberglass fabrics are further divided into,

1. Olefin / polyolefin fabric

2. Polyvinylidene fluoride woven

3. ePTFE woven

4. Blackout Fabric

Blackout fabric is a opaque material which consists of a laminate that sandwiches an opaque layer between two white exterior layers. Heating and lighting of a structure may be controlled because the fabric does not allow light to permeate the top or walls. The opaque quality also prevents stains, dirt, repairs, or slightly mismatched panels on the structure's exterior from being noticed from the inside.

Types of Top Coating for Tensile Fabric Structures

Topcoating provides a hard surface on the outside of the material, forming a barrier that aids in preventing dirt from sticking to the material, while allowing the fabric to be cleaned with water. Based on the material used to topcoat the fabric, they are classified into following,

1. PVF film lamination
2. PVDF topcoating
3. PVDF/PVC topcoating
4. Tio2 (Titanium Dioxide) Top coating.

Advantages of Fabric Tensile Structure

1. Quicker Installation
2. Bright, Natural Diffused Day lighting
3. Flexible Design Aesthetics
4. Low Maintenance
5. Lightweight Nature
6. Energy Efficient
7. Tensile Structures Need Less Materials
8. Prefabrication Saves Time, Materials And Energy
9. Wide Range Of Uses

Read More: Tensile Structures – Types, Shapes and Advantages