Different Types & Shapes of Tensile Structures
There are several ways of improving the appeal of a building and tensile structure in Delhi is one of the best ways. It refers to the building of roofs primarily using a membrane supported by steel cables. Tensile membrane structures are commonly used as roofs and as whole buildings. Exhibition halls, warehouses, storage facilities and sports facilities are the most common instances.
Origin of tensile structures
Historically inspired by the pioneering man-made living arrangements like black tents used by nomads and tribal people – tensile structure comes with a range of benefits. They were earlier used to cover sports centres, agroindustrial constructions, and arenas. The industrial revolution encouraged the mass production of tensile structures as a low-cost roofing solution.
What are the Various Types of Tensile Structures?
1. Surface-Stressed Tensile Structures
Surface-stressed tensile structure in Delhi is tension-bearing. In this fabric construction, the protective membrane is supported by air pressure. It is mainly used in building dome tents and facades. These are the main examples of tensile structures that are surface-stressed:
- Pneumatically stressed membranes
- Prestressed membranes
- Gridshell Fabric Structure
2. Linear Tensile Structures
These tensile structures comprise of members which withstand linear tensile forces. A common instance of this type of structure is cable-suspended bridges. Linear tensile structures can be classified as:
- Draped cables
- Straight tension cables
- Suspension bridges
- Cable-stayed trusses or beams
3. Three-Dimensional Tensile Structures
These types of tensile constructions comprise of parts that are in tension. These are the examples of this type of tensile structure:
- 3D cable trusses
- Bicycle wheel
- Tensegrity structures
Tensile Fabric Structure and its Different Shapes
The four major shapes of tensile fabrics are:
1. Barrel Vault or Parallel Arch Structure
These symmetrical and parallel designs can create an extremely effective membrane canopy to cover massive areas like a sports stadium. However, the repeating and symmetrical design, the barrel vault structure is a cost-effective technique to install tensile membrane on any project.
2. Conical Tension Structure
Conical tension structure has a tent-like shape which makes it extremely useful to cover huge areas. Multiple or single mast can be used in these designs. Cones are ideal for places that experience snow fall in winter or heavy rain in monsoon.
3. Anticlastic or Hypar Structure
Hyperbolic paraboloid is remarkable for its excellence in water runoff and shape retention. They are among the most commonly found among all tensile structures as they are visually appealing. Two curvatures in different directions retain the structure’s stability. This style is perfect to act as a shade over high-traffic zones or outdoor seating areas.
4. Cable Net and Membrane Structure
Cable grid structure or 3d cable net is a lightweight and efficient tensile solution used in long-span membranes. This type of tensile structure in Delhi is perfect for huge venues and stadiums.
Benefits of tensile structure
1. Installing tension membrane structures is cost-effective and faster.
2. As the tensile fabric is transparent, the building constructions offer an abundance of light in the daytime, making the space comfortable and inviting.
3. Tensioned membranes are extremely flexible. This quality gives designers and architects the liberty to experiment and build iconic and aesthetically fascinating structures.
4. As the membrane in tensile structures is not heavy, the quantity of structural steel used to support the entire membrane is small.
Conclusion
It is possible to design, build and evaluate membrane structures in any form or shape. The designer can experiment with multiple spares and can also include artificial lights in the membrane. The lights give the whole structure an aesthetic dimension. Tensile structures are not just budget-friendly but also artistically beautiful. This concept has recently entered the Indian construction market and is increasingly becoming popular.