ADVANTAGES OF TENSILE STRUCTURES OVER OTHER SPACE FRAME STRUCTURES

Abstract

Tensile structures have been in use since ancient time. The most rudimentary applications could be seen in the form of tents and other temporary roofing used by nomadic tribes. These structures exhibit non-linear behavior, as opposed to linear relationships observed in conventional structures, which use steel as its primary material resource. The non-linear relationship can be observed in geometry as well as in material aspects. Tensile structures satisfy both, the architect’s design of attractive elevation as well as the structural designer’s overall economic design by considerable reduction in the amount of steel employment. Due to their light weight characteristics, in most of the cases, earthquake effects are not considered whereas wind is a critical factor. The fabric only resists tensioning and has almost no compression or bending. Due to characteristic of fabric to stretch long spans, these structures can be employed on places such as stadiums and aircraft hangar parking areas, where large column free spaces are required. A general discussion on various aspects such as material properties, design convention, economic counter views have been considered, which are essential during the designing of the tensile structures. These have been presented in the first part of this paper. The second part focuses on comparison of tensile structures over space frames structures which are generally used for covering areas. The area selected for the stated purpose is an entrance canopy. Computer aids like Staad. Pro and FormFinder are used. The end conclusion, which the study aims to show, is that the tensile membrane structure could outmatch the conventional systems in terms of construction difficulties, economic liabilities and resource/material requirement.