Tension fabric buildings or tension fabric structures are constructed using a rigid frame—which can consist of timber, steel, rigid plastic, or aluminum—and a sturdy fabric outer membrane. Once the frame is erected, the fabric cover is stretched over the frame. The fabric cover is tensioned to provide the stable structural support of the building. The fabric is tensioned using multiple methods, varying by manufacturer, to create a tight fitting cover membrane.
Tension fabric building with concrete base and rollup overhead doors. La Crosse County Highway Department storage facilities.
Tension fabric structure with concrete foundation walls
Tension fabric structure for hay storage
In structural engineering, a tensile structure is a construction of elements carrying only tension and no compression or bending. The term tensile should not be confused with tensegrity, which is a structural form with both tension and compression elements. Tensile structures are the most common type of thin-shell structures.
The world's first tensile steel shell by Vladimir Shukhov (during construction), Nizhny Novgorod, 1895
The Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Kings Domain, Melbourne
The Olympiastadion in Munich makes extensive use of tensile roofing structures.
Frei Otto tensile structures for the Munich 72 Olympic Games, Germany.
