Fabric Roof Research Articles

Some attributes of design theory

Abstract It is argued that ‘design theory’ is properly a theory about theories or a metatheory. With that as a starting point, methods now available in the systems literature to treat designs as assemblies of modules are discussed. Applications to a work station for fabric roof design are included.

Permanent architectural fabric structures — performance of the new materials technology

Recent developments in fabric materials technology have fundamentally altered the nature of tent or ‘tension structure’ construction. The paper explores the performance of these fabrics in several areas. Glass fibre scrims with ‘ Teflon’ or silicone coatings have yielded fabrics with strip tensile strengths of up to 150 kg per cm. width and lifespans of 25 to 30 years. Fabric may now be used in permanent structures with long spans and low curvature. Meanwhile, difficulty in handling these enormous membranes has eliminated the traditional portability of tents. Both Teflon and silicone coated products have demonstrated translucency adequate for plant growth. They have also demonstrated ability to meet most building code requirements for flame spread, combustibility and resistance to burning brands. The new fabric roofs provide low energy use in sunny, temperate climates, and new developments in insulated fabrics and other innovations provide improved energy performance in even cold, low sunlight climates. Characteristics of the different glass fibre fabrics are explored, their performance record is discussed, and the viability of fabric for future construction is evaluated.

Biaxial Test Method for Characterization of Fabric Materials Used in Permanent Fabric Roof Structures

Abstract An experimental investigation was conducted to develop a test method and hardware for the purpose of characterizing the material behavior of coated glass fabrics for application in large roof structures. Because of the biaxial nature of stresses in fabric structures, an internally pressurized cylinder specimen was designed for use in a hydraulically actuated (MTS) testing machine. Biaxial cylinder fabrication and appropriate testing procedures were developed. Stress-strain and strength characteristics were determined for various fabric material types and material lots. Biaxial monotonic, step loading, stress rupture, and dynamic fatigue loading conditions were studied. Combined biaxial tensile plus shear loading were assessed by testing cylinders under biaxial and superimposed torsion loading conditions. The strength characteristics of damaged fabric materials were also extensively assessed.

The use of DOE-2 to determine the relative energy performance of daylighted retail stores covered with tension supported fabric roofs

With increasing interest amongst the architectural and engineering community in daylighted buildings, there is a need to evaluate the relative energy performance of those buildings. One means of daylighting a building is to use a coated glass fiber fabric roof. With such a roof, it has been found that sufficient daylight is admitted to allow most artificial lighting to be turned off during the daytime hours. However, solar cooling loads and conductive loads may be greater than for conventionally roofed commercial buildings. With the fabric roofed buildings capable of using considerably less energy for artificial lighting, yet possibly requiring greater use of energy for space heating and cooling, the relative energy performance is a matter of trade-offs. To determine this relative energy performance of fabric roofed and conventionally roofed retail stores, a modified version of DOE-2.1A was used with weather data from 19 cities located within the United States. In the analyses, both single-layer and double-layer roofs were studied as were stores with different levels of electric power for artificial lighting. In general, the results suggest that a fabric roofed store will use less total energy than a conventional roofed store in a geographic area with a mild climate but that it will use more energy in a cold climate area.

Acoustical problems in large structures employing fabric roofs

Because of the physical characteristics of fabric roofs, acoustical problems in structures using such roofs cannot normally be resolved using traditional techniques. This presentation discusses the existing and potential acoustical problems of several existing and proposed facilities that utilize both air supported and tensile fabric roof systems. Also presented will be sound absorbing data for a newly conceived tensile roof system.

Fabric air‐supported and tensile roofs for large structures—A review of fabric roof technology

The use of fabric for the roofs of large audience spaces and similar structures is a relatively new technology. It had its beginning with the large air supported structure for the U.S. Pavilion at the 1970 Worlds Fair in Japan. This technology has continued to produce the very large tensile structure at the Jetta Airport in Saudi Arabia, and the large stadium with an air‐supported fabric roof that recently opened in Minneapolis and the similar facility that is nearing completion in Vancouver, British Columbia. A review of the major projects that have utilized this technology during the past twelve years is useful in applying the fabric roof concept to future structures.

Acoustical design considerations for two air‐supported structures

This paper presents information on the acoustical design of the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota and the Dalhousie University Athletics Complex (Dalplex) in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome seats up to 63 000 people under an air‐supported fabric roof. Major concerns that are discussed were reverberation control and the design of a system of loudspeaker clusters that are suspended from the roof membrane and maintain proper orientation when the structure is moved by changes in wind loading. The main feature of Dalplex, which is located in a residential neighborhood, is a 300 ft by 240 ft stainless steel air‐supported roof over the field house and running track. This 116‐in.‐thick stainless steel membrane presented some unique acoustical problems that had to be addressed, including control of reverberation in the fieldhouse, reduction of the noise of rain on the metal roof to acceptable levels, and reduction of crowd noise transmitted through the roof to nearby houses. These and other acoustical considerations are discussed.

Acoustical properties of glass fiber roof fabrics

Woven glass cloth that has been coated with a hydrocarbon is used extensively as a roof membrane in air or tension-supported structures. Previous presentations have been made on the acoustical environment of some of these structures. This paper will focus on the acoustical properties of the roof fabric as measured in the laboratory. Sound transmission loss values were measured for two coated fabrics with and without inner liners. Tests were conducted in accordance with the ASTM test method E90-75. Sound absorption tests were also conducted on these same roof configurations in accordance with ASTM test method C423-77. The data generated from these tests should be most helpful to the designer or consultant in determining the acoustical impact both inside and outside fabric roof structures.

Acoustical properties of glass fiber roof fabrics

Woven glass cloth that has been coated with a hydrocarbon is used extensively as a roof membrane in air or tension supported structures. Previous presentations have been made on the acoustical environment of some of these structures. This paper will focus on the acoustical properties of the roof fabric as measured in the laboratory. Sound transmission loss values were measured for two coated fabrics with and without inner liners. Tests were conducted in accordance with the ASTM test method E90‐75. Sound absorption tests were also conducted on these same roof configurations in accordance with ASTM test method C423‐77. The data generated from these tests should be most helpful to the designer or consultant in determining the acoustical impact both inside and outside fabric roof structures.

New Bullock's Store To Feature World's Largest Fabric Roof On Retail Building

New Bullock's Store To Feature World's Largest Fabric Roof On Retail Building

Fiberglass Fabric Coated With Teflon Creates New Fabric Roof

Fiberglass Fabric Coated With Teflon Creates New Fabric Roof

Investigation of the acoustical characteristics of fabric roof structures

Fabric roof structures are becoming increasingly popular for enclosing large recreational facilities. These structures are relatively inexpensive to construct since material costs and construction time are significantly reduced. In addition, the fabrics used have been developed to last as long as regular roof coverings. However, Because of the curved geometries and high sound reflectivity of the fabric membrane under tension, serious acoustical problems can arise. There are basically two types of fabric roof structures being used today: (1) those employing a frame and/or cable superstructure to support the roof membrane (tent structures); and (2) those in which the fabric is supported by pressurizing the interior of the space (air structures). The latter type requires unconventional means for achieving acoustical control since the roof material must be lightweight to remain erect. Fabric structures of both types and of various sizes and uses were investigated. Reverberation time data were collected and absorption coefficients of the roof membranes calculated.

Fire risks in parking garages

Present assumptions about probable fire behaviour will surely need revising if the use of fabric roofs and plastics for cars grows. This could have implications for steel framed multi-storey car parks, particularly if thinner sections are contemplated. This discussion of international experience is by the head of the Evaluations and Performance Criteria Division of the National Building Research Institute of South Africa.