Tensile structures, nowadays, are finding themselves more in number. No wonder as they provide flexible design aesthetics and durability along with other benefits as discussed in this article

In recent time, new technologies have been making change in construction industry such as tensile fabric structure. They have made huge contribution to architectural design. In fact, they have provided wonderful combination of function, durability and aesthetics. Industry professionals in tensile structures are being observed focusing on emerging Indian market. It is not surprising time that Indian market is more demanding of membrane structure.

A tensile structure is basically 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.

“Tensile structure is one of the latest generations of structure in the roofing industries in terms of fast installation, light-weight and aesthetically appealing,” says M Sudhan, Director, Texsys Structures Pvt. Ltd.

Material used
It obviously becomes important to use right material for building tensile structure. Tensile membrane fabric is something that plays a vital role in having a strong tensile structure in the end. “We offer tensile membrane fabric with high strength, tear resistance and excellent panel welding,” informs Nikhil Chheda, Managing Director, Novell Polyecoaters Ltd. “It is manufactured with quality plastic materials, which ensures its high tensile strength and pressure force. Our Tensile Membrane Fabrics are available at the market leading prices.”

Mr Chheda also explains how Novell’s fabric has been designed for the architectural application by keeping three main basic components in mind:
• High tenacity polyester WIWK fabric, which has an advantage of high resistance to tear as compared to woven fabric on weight-to-weight ratio
• PVC based formulation is used with polymeric flexibilisers to improve the flexible life and reduce plasticiser migration. Special pigments are used to provide diffused light effect.
• A topcoat of PVDF is applied, which has better resistance to UV light and dirt repellent properties thus increasing the life of the fabric.

Advantages
Increasing use of tensile structures show users are experiencing and in turn getting benefitted with the advantages offered by tensile structures. Let us see some advantages of tensile structures:

Flexible design aesthetics
Virtually unlimited designs of distinctive elegant forms can be realised because of the flexible characteristics of architectural membrane. Also, fewer support columns create more functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces

Great translucency
In daylight, the membrane’s translucency offers soft diffused naturally lit spaces reducing interior lighting costs. At night, the artificial lighting creates an ambient exterior luminescence

Long span structures
Light-weight membrane is a cost-effective solution that requires less structural steel to support the roof, enabling long spans of column-free space.

Earthquake resistant
These structures bear less building load than traditional roofing materials and the membrane’s elasticity offers further earthquake resistance.

Shortened construction schedules
Incorporating the most modern construction techniques, large fabricated membrane panels can be installed quickly to shorten installation schedules. Likewise, fabric removal can be accomplished easily

Cost benefits
Light-weight structures can be a more cost-effective solution than traditional building materials offering building owners reduced costs. Materials, such as photo-catalytic membranes, can help prevent temperature rise as well as reduce maintenance costs due to their self-cleaning properties

Mr Sudhan also mentions some benefits of tensile structures:
• Light translucency
• Long life guaranty
• Fire retardant
• Reduces temperature to 2 to 4 C.

“Type of fabric to be selected is based on usability, terrain, wind speed and size of the structure. We have been designing and executing tensile structure for the past 8 years and in the process we educate the client to understand and decide the right type of semi-permanent structure to be used in various areas,” informs Mr Sudhan.

Applications
A tensile membrane structure is most often used as a roof, as they can economically and attractively span large distances. When fabric is used in tensioned structures, it forms the integral part of the support system. It provides a wealth of opportunity to exploit in the design process through its elegance and natural response to pre-stress loading.

Mostly application area where tensile structures have been playing important role is in sport arena such as indoor and outdoor stadium.

Current solutions
Novell has to offer its Naizil range of architectural fabrics, which incorporate (with the exception of PS 680) the advanced Titan W surface lacquer. The effectiveness of Titan W in reducing plasticiser migration, the primary cause of discolouration and ultimate degeneration of the fabric, has been proven through both exhaustive laboratory testing and field use. Not all applications necessitate the use of a formally rated, Titan W fabric, particularly small fabric structures where extended life is not the primary concern. In this context, the PS 680 range is suitable with its acrylic lacquer, wide choice of colours and competitive pricing.

Whereas Texsys offers its services in the following:
• Entrance canopy
• Car parking
• Walkway structure
• Cantilever canopy structure
• Swimming pool coverings
• Conical structure
• Inverted funnel structure
• Sail structure.