Tensile Surface Structures: A Practical Guide to Cable and Membrane Construction

by Michael Seidel; Translator: David Sturge (Kirchbach)

• ISBN13: 9783433600276
• ISBN10: 3433600279
• Format: eBook
• Copyright: 2009-05-01
• Publisher: Wiley-VCH

Summary

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.

Table of Contents

Introduction

The importance of manufacture and erection

Ambition, aim and scheme of the book

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

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

Summary And Outlook

References

Illustration acknowledgements

Projects (1989-2007)

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