Tensile Surface Structures. A Practical Guide to Cable and Membrane Construction
Materials, Design, Assembly and Erection
1. Edition March 2009
XI, 229 Pages, Hardcover
368 Pictures (196 Colored Figures)
Handbook/Reference Book
Short Description
This book discusses the fundamental influence of manufacture and assembly when deciding on the most suitable type of structure and gives a comprehensive appraisal of its detailing in the design process of membrane architecture. With example projects. Foreword by Werner Sobek.
Further versions
Tensile surface structures are the visual expression of an intensive rethinking of the topic of building envelopes by designers. Advances in design methods, materials, construction elements and assembly and erection planning in the field of lightweight construction are enabling ever more exacting applications of tensile structures with envelope and structural functions, especially in roofing over large clear spans without internal support.
However, the particular mechanical characteristics of the materials used in the construction of textile structures demand consideration of the question of "buildability". This book provides answers by discussing the fundamental influence of material manufacture and assembly in deciding the most suitable type of building or structure and its detailing in the design process.
The fundamentals of material composition, manufacturing process, patterning and the behaviour of flexible structural systems are all explained here, as well as their use as structural and connection elements, and special attention is given to the erection of wide-span lightweight structures. The erection equipment is described, as well as the lifting and tensioning process and the construction methods used to erect the characteristic types of tensile structures, illustrated with a selection of example projects.
Forword by Werner Sobek.
The importance of manufacture and erection
Ambition, aim and scheme of the book
2 MATERIALS FOR TENSILE SURFACE STRUCTURES
Introduction
Structural composition and manufacture
Linear load-bearing elements
Surface load-bearing elements
Material behaviour of coated fabrics
Mechanical properties
Fabrication of coated fabrics
Development
Compensation, strip layout
Criteria for the patterning
Cutting out the pieces
Methods of jointing surfaces
Permanent surface joints
Reusable surface joints
Methods of transferring force at the edge
Geometry of the edging and effect on bearing behaviour
The detailing of edges and their anchorage at corners
Edge details
Corner details
3 CONSTRUCTION OF TENSILE SURFACE STRUCTURES
Introduction
Construction management
Aims and tasks of construction management
Scheduling
Modelling erection procedures
Construction engineering
Design detailing for erection practicality
Erection equipment and machinery
Cranes and lifting devices
Tensioning devices and equipment for ropes
Tensioning devices and aids for membrane sheets
Scaffolding working platforms and temporary construction
Erection procedure
Criteria affecting the erection procedure
Remarks about the erection of the primary structure
Erection procedures for membrane structures
Construction
Preparation work and preassembly
Lifting and hanging structural elements
Introduction of loads - pretensioning
Control of the forces in flexible structural elements
Determination of force in ropes
Measurement of membrane stresses
4 SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK
References
Illustration acknowledgements
Projects (1989-2007)
CHRISTOPH GENGNAGEL
