Shelter-Rite Architectural Fabrics Blog

Project Details:

Client: DHL Express
Fabric: Shelter-Rite® High-Performance Architectural Fabric (FRLTC) 8520, acrylic-coated PVC
Fabrication and Installation: Legacy Building Solutions

Project Story:

When DHL Express needed a durable, attractive fabric covering for its expanding operations at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), Shelter-Rite Architectural Fabrics was the clear choice when choosing a supplier.

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has again made crucial revisions to the ASCE 7 standard, "Minimum Design Loads and Associated Criteria for Buildings and Other Structures,” which provides requirements for general structural design. The revised standard is expected to become a primary reference that informs the 2018 International Building Code (IBC), specifically with relation to design that accommodates structural loads and seismic provisions.

One of the toughest measures of the stability of an architectural fabric seam is Dead Load Testing, which is found in ASTM D751 Section 80-83. This ASTM Standard applies to Coated Fabrics only, not reinforced laminates, or extruded or blown films. Why? Only a heavily reinforced material will perform in a dead load situation which is the very nature of the performance of an architectural fabric in a fabric structure.

Photo courtesy Sprung Structure

Long gone are the days when the only exterior color choice of a membrane structure was white. This limiting factor did not sit well with the architectural and local building code communities. Today, there are significant advancements in technology that allow virtually any exterior color to be utilized for sports and recreation applications such as colleges and universities, as well as professional sports teams. Combined with attractive glazing walls and graphics, energy-efficient insulation packages make a tension membrane structure a solid long-term choice for sports and recreation applications.

Our favorite NFL and NCAA football teams are conditioned to play and perform in all types of weather. However, when extreme conditions prohibit these teams from practicing outdoors, a structure that provides a constant temperature suitable for training is the logical solution. Learn more about the advantages of air-supported dome structures in both hot and cold climates, and the fabric options associated with air-supported domes.

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Tension Membrane Committee has revised ASCE 55-10, the organization’s primary set of guidelines for designing a wide variety of tensioned fabric structures. While these guidelines are updated every five years on average, this latest revision is extensive compared to others—which makes the new set of guidelines, Tensile Membrane Structures (ASCE 55-16), a must-have resource for anyone building and assembling tension structures.

Photovoltaics, or PV, is a method of converting solar energy into usable solar power through the use of solar panels and solar cells. Historically, glass-encased PV systems reigned supreme compared to their thin-film and flexible PV counterparts. The traditional systems are generally bulky and rigid, thus not allowing for much in terms of design flexibility. The tides have shifted however as the consumer desire to have an aesthetically pleasing way to create solar power increases, allowing the flexible PV systems to claim advantages over traditional PV.

When thinking about manufacturing facilities, one standard image comes to mind: large brick and mortar structures that are very utilitarian both inside and out. Through the years, brick and mortar has become the natural choice for manufacturing facilities across the globe. However, advancements in the fabric building industry are making tension structures just as attractive as traditional buildings, if not more so.

Technical Guide for Tensile Surface Structures- Part 1

The Architects’ Task: “The search for the natural in architecture does not restrict the possibilities; it extends them”

Classification of Materials

The coated textile industry produces a wide range of membranes, differing in strength properties. For PVC coated polyester fabrics, conventional classifications have been derived to assist architects and engineers in the selection of membrane material. Two variations of the types have been accepted-Messe Frankfurt and French Design Guide. Messe Frankfurt is more fabric content dependent (yarn linear density & yarn number, also known as fabric count). The French Design Guide reference is more directly dependent on membrane mass (g/M2) as its index. Both accomplish the goal of categorizing membrane properties for fabric selection in a structure or surface.

Air-supported domes are versatile building systems that are great for sport applications, as these structures do not require columns or other support beams. The large, open spaces protected by the domes can be utilized as year-round sports facilities. While there is no need for support beams, there are several vital structural and design elements to consider. Seven of these components are outlined below.