Types of Architectural Membrane Fabrics

Various kinds of architectural membrane fabrics are used to provide structural and architectural protection against the elements of weather. Membrane fabrics are primarily made from PTFE fluoropolymers. These are manufactured with a woven substrate and are finished with a coated material. They can be used in a variety of applications, such as in stadiums and as roofing systems. These fabrics can also be used to reduce the amount of direct sunlight that enters a building.

Tensile fabric architecture has historical antecedents. It was used in ancient Roman theaters and stadiums. Today, these structures have many shapes and designs. They can span a wide area, providing structural protection without using much energy. They are also lightweight and flexible. They are ideal for stadium roofs, bus station covers, and other iconic features. These structures are also used for archeological sites and canopies.

Tensile fabric architecture can be divided into three groups: cable-net, pneumatic or air-supported, and tensile fabric structures. Each type has its own characteristics, and all will stretch under load.

Tensile fabric structures are lightweight and have very low surface weight. They are also flexible, allowing for easy reconfiguration. They are also used for buildings that need to be covered with minimal materials. They can also provide acoustic dampening. The structures are also used to create three-dimensional sun-shading facades. Compared to traditional building materials, these structures are very lightweight and require minimal maintenance.

The most common woven fabrics for architectural applications are cotton, acrylic, and fiberglass. These fabrics are commonly coated to increase the UV resistance and provide additional strength. They are also used for structural protection, earthquake resistance, water vapor impermeability, and bacteria resistance. Some fabrics also have enhanced coatings for specific applications.

The typical structural fabric has a tensile strength of 10 tonnes in warp and weft direction. It is also characterized by a factor of safety of six. The fabric is tested on a small sample to ensure that it meets industry standards for tensile properties. The tensile strength is measured using the trapezoidal test.