Tensile Architectural Systems

Tensile Architectural Systems

A tensile structure is a construction of elements carrying only tension and no compression or bending. A tensile membrane structure is most often used as a roof, as they can economically and attractively span large distances. Tensile membrane structures may also be used as complete buildings, with a few common applications being sports facilities, warehousing and storage buildings, exhibition venues, roofing, industrial halls, sports halls, event halls, car parking shades, roof top covers, shelter, restaurants etc.

Innova Roofings & Joinery offers conceptual design, fabrication and installation of Tensile architectural systems in a wide range of technically advanced coated fabrics, thickness and framing patterns that provide optimum performance and enhance the beauty and value of the properties. The tensile architectural membranes are woven exclusively from high tenacity and pre-treated, low-wick yarns. The tensile architectural membranes are implemented with a top coat lacquering system consisting of multi-layer composite material with densely woven low-wick yarns in the base fabric. The surface lacquering consists of highly concentrated Polyvinylidene fluoride with a protection layer of nano-titanium dioxide TiO2 , that enhances the protection and aesthetic effects, while remaining perfectly weldable by high frequency and hot air. The fabric thanks to the outstanding mechanical behaviour on a constant note, ensures longstanding maintenance-free and reliable performances.

Typical Uses

The typical uses of tensile architectural systems are unlimited. The demand for aesthetically pleasing, optimised visual comfort, translucent, light-weight, flexible, low-wick, natural light management, improved thermal comforts, noise absorption, fire-retardant, dirt, algae and fungus resistant and yet structurally sound roofing and cladding materials lead property owners, architects and builders to invest on engineered tensile architectural fabrics and systems. The lightness of the tensile fabrics combined with freedom of shapes and natural light input turn tensile structures into iconic buildings. Some of the uses for which tensile architectural membranes can be used as roofing cover are listed below:

  • Parking Structures
  • Gazebo & Sit-outs
  • Terrace shades & OTS Coverings
  • Awnings & Canopies
  • Dome structures & Toll Plazas
  • Walkways & Entrance structures
  • Restaurants & Atriums
  • Gastronomy Umbrellas
  • Air, Rail, Bus & Port Terminals
  • Trade fairs tents & Entertainment venues
  • Medical tents & Party tents
  • Sports arenas & Sports stadiums
  • Building entrances & Courtyards
  • Science & Technology Park roofs
  • Roofs over swimming pool decks
  • External & Interior roller blinds
  • Conservatory & Skylight blinds
  • Pergola covers & Shade sails
  • Rollup doors & Truck covers
  • Industrial warehousing
  • Biogas Tank covers

Technical Details

The tensile architectural fabrics are classified based on its tensile strength, weight, properties, surface treatment and rate of solar transmission. Innova Roofings & Joinery will recommend suitable fabric based on its intended usage and site conditions.

  • Tensile strength: Five types of tensile architectural fabrics are available based on its tensile strength. The tensile strength range are classified as Type-0 (<3000 N/5 cm), Type-1 (3000 N/5 cm), Type-2 (<4000 N/5 cm), Type-3 (5500 N/5 cm) and Type-4 (>7000 N/5cm).
  • Fabric weight: Tensile architectural fabrics are available in a range of 650, 700 ,725 ,750, 800, 850, 900, 1050, 1150, 1350 & 1650 gsm.
  • Properties of tensile fabrics: The tensile architectural fabrics are also available based on the special properties such as – Flame retardant, Antibacterial, UV treated, Direct weldable, Low wick, Opaque and mesh types.
  • Surface treatment: The tensile architectural fabrics are available broadly under 3-types of surface treatment such as – PVDF Lacquering, PVDF + Tio2 Lacquering and Acrylic Lacquering.
  • Solar Transmission: The tensile architectural fabrics are available under various solar transmission rates such as – Opaque, Translucent, High translucence and 20 < Tv < 31%.

Advantages Of Tensile Fabrics

  • Durable product – Offers long life
  • Great aesthetics
  • Light weight & Flexible
  • Flame resistant
  • Perfect UV resistance
  • High abrasion resistance
  • 100% waterproof
  • Fungus and termite resistant
  • Aggressive dirt can be cleaned with detergent soap and water
  • Covers large areas without Support
  • Ease of fabrication & Perfect weldability
  • Ideal shelter for aerobic fermentation
  • High tear resistance. If accidental tearing does occur the torn portion does not propagate / expand. Easily repairable by welding.
  • PVDF lacquering prevents settling down of natural and industrial dirts
  • Special Lacquering gives resistance to Greasy & Non-Greasy Biomass and waste
  • Resistant to Gases such as-Methane, Water Hydrogen, Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide & also resistant to Sulphides and Ammonia. Hydrolytic resistant i.e. it prevents sparking due to chemical reactions