Tensinews 17 sept-09 · TENSINEWS NR. 17 – SEPTEMBER 2009 3 Edito During the last few months the...

N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E E U R O P E A N B A S E D N E T W O R K F O R T H E D E S I G N A N D R E A L I S A T I O N O F T E N S I L E S T R U C T U R E S

NEWSLETTER NR. 17SEPTEMBER 2009PUBLISHED TWICE A YEARPRICE 15€ (POST INCL)www.tensinet.com

PROJECTS

Germany 265 ETFE FOIL CUSHIONS

HIGHLY TRANSPARENT FILM

China 2 PROJECTS IN SHANGHAI

UK WIMBLEDON’S HIGH-TECH HEAVEN

Spain THIRST PAVILION

Urugua BUQUEBUS

THIN-SHELLconcrete from fabric molds

Uncoated ABACA

Fabric

RESEARCH

TENSINEWS NR. 17 – SEPTEMBER 20092

Ceno Tecwww.ceno-tec.de

Dyneonwww.dyneon.com

FabricArtMembrane Structureswww.fabricart.com.tr/

Form TLwww.Form-tl.de

IMSwww.ims-institute.orgwww.membranestructures.de

Messe FrankfurtTechtextilwww.techtextil.de

Mehler Texnologies www.mehler-texnologies.com

Sioen Industries www.sioen.com

Saint-Gobain www.sheerfill.com

Taiyo Europewww.taiyo-europe.com

technet GmbHwww.technet-gmbh.com

Verseidagwww.vsindutex.de

W.L. Gore & Associateswww.gore.com/tenara

form TL

Ferrari sawww.ferrari-textiles.com

Canobbio S.p.A.www.canobbio.com

partners2009

INFO

Buro Happoldwww.burohappold.com

PROJECTS

RESEARCH

PA G E

18 LITERATURE Philippe Samyn Constructions Architect and Engineer Fabric Architecture: Creative Resources for Shade, Signage and Shelter

18 PRESS RELEASE TEXTILE BUILDINGSInnovatIon for the future by Contex-T

24 MEHLER TEXNOLOGIESTENSILE ARCHITECTURE DESIGN SOFTWARE

24 INTERNATIONAL "TEXTILE STRUCTURE FOR NEW BUILDING” COMPETITION for students at Techtextil 2009

MISC

n°17contents

PA G E

4 Germany 265 ETFE FOIL CUSHIONSA new roof for a Castle

5 Germany HIGHLY TRANSPARENT MULTILAYERED FILM CUSHIONSAtrium of the Cologne office building Rhine Halls & Rhine Parc

10 China PTFE umbrellasfor three Shanghai Subway Stations Line 6

10 China ROOFING TENSILE MEMBRANE STRUCTUREShanghai World Expo 2010

11 India CANTILEVER MEMBRANE ROOF International Cricket Stadium & Sports Complex

16 UK WIMBLEDON’S HIGH-TECH HEAVENGORE™ TENARA® Architectural Fabric

17 Greece SHOPPING MALLAthens Heart

20 Spain THIRST PAVILIONInternational Expo “water and sustainable development”

22 The NetherlandsTHE INFLATABLE CLOUD

22 Urugua BUQUEBUS Bus & Cars parking

23 Chile NEW COVER VIP TRIBUNE Monumental Stadium of Colo Colo

PA G E

6 UNCOATED ABACA FABRICAn alternative natural material for temporary tensile structure

12 THIN-SHELL Concrete From Fabric Molds A Direct-Cast Fabric-Formed Thin-Shell Vaults / Beams

Editorial BoardJohn Chilton, Evi Corne, Niels De Temmerman, Peter Gosling,Marijke Mollaert, Javier Tejera

CoordinationMarijke Mollaert, phone: +32 2 629 28 45, [email protected]

Address Vrije Uni ver siteit Brussel (VUB), Dept. of Architectural Engineering,Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brus sels, Belgium fax: +32 2 629 28 41

ISSN1784-5688

All copyrights remain by each author

Price 15€ postage & packing included

TENSINEWS NR. 17 – SEPTEMBER 2009 3

Edito During the last few months the TensiNet Association has contributed to several activities:The yearly Textile Roofs 2009 Workshop (11th to 13th June) attracted a large group of interested participants (www.textile-roofs.de).The last Partner Meeting (15th June) took place in Frankfurt. It was decided to organise the next TensiNet Symposium in Sofia, Bulgaria, in September 2010.20 TensiNet members attended the Working Group ETFE (15th June) in Frankfurt and discussed a firstdraft of the state-of-the-art document (for more information please contact Rogier Houtman).At the Techtextil Student Award ceremony, co-sponsored by TensiNet, interesting student projects wereshown. The exhibition of these projects during the Fair (16th to 18th June) was successfully arranged by Jürgen Hennicke (http://techtextil.messefrankfurt.com/frankfurt/en/messebesuch_nl41.html).During the Buildtech Symposium (16th June) several TensiNet members contributed with presentationson recent projects or research.

Another positive development is that two new Partners have joined the TensiNet Association - FabricartMembrane Structures (TU) and Sioen (BE) - while Buro Happold (UK) upgraded its membership to become aTensiNet Partner. An important objective of the TensiNet Association is to start the standardisation process. A proposal for thestandardisation of the “materials, fabrication and installation of membranes” has been sent to the standardisation community of the European countries CEN/TC250 as a first step in establishing a Eurocode. The CEN/TC250 discussed (1st July) their medium-term strategy until 2013 and agreed that the develop-ment of the Eurocodes on Glass, FRP and Membrane Structures should be achieved as follows: preparationof technical rules in the form of technical recommendations as ‘Scientific and Technical Reports’, after acceptance by CEN/TC250, adaptation of it into a CEN Technical Specification and upon the agreement ofCEN/TC250, conversion into a Eurocode Part. This process will be established step by step.The next important event is the Annual General Meeting 2009, which will be held at the Centro Cultural LaBeneficencia, on the 30th of September, during the IASS 2009 conference in Valencia. In conjunction with theAnnual General Meeting the results of the Working Groups will be presented and interesting projects re-cently completed by TensiNet members will be reviewed. The Annual General meeting will be followed bythe Working Group Meetings for Analysis & Materials (Peter Gosling) and ETFE (Rogier Houtman). TensiNet Members can also participate in the IASS Working Group 6 “Tension and Membrane Structures”organised by Prof. Masao Saitoh and Prof. Ken’ ichi Kawaguchi on the 29th of September. We hope to meet you all in Valencia! Marijke Mollaert

Forthcoming Events International Symposium IASS 2009 Valencia, Spain 28/09 – 02/10/2009 www.iassvalencia2009.com ● International Conference StructuralMembranes 2009 Stuttgart, Germany 05-07/10/2009 congress.cimne.upc.es/membranes09● International Trade Fair Techtextil India 2009 Mumbai, India 10-12/10/2009www.messefrankfurtindia.in● International Symposium Architectural Membranes (ISAM)2009 American University’s campus Dubai – AUD, United Arab Emirates 14-15/10/2009 isam-dubai.web.officelive.com/default.aspx● Fifth International Symposium on How to Enter Technical Textiles Markets The Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa,Edinburgh, Scotland 15-16/10/2009 www.technical-textiles.net/symposium.htm ● Internationalexhibition ROOF INDIA 2010 Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai, India 23-25/04/2010www.roofindia.com ● 1st International Conference on Structures and Architecture (ICSA2010) University of Minho, Guimarães, Portugal 21- 23/07/2010 www.icsa2010.com

S I O E N Name of the project: Riviera-on-Dneper restaurantClient: Riviera HotelFunction of building: Restaurant boatPrimary function of Protection against the tensile structure: sun, rain, etc.Temporary or permanent structure: PermanentConvertible or mobile: MobileYear of construction: Summer 2009Engineering, manufacture Tent Module Companyand installation: (www.tent-m.com.ua)Materials: Aluminum and membraneSupplier of the membrane SIOEN material: Industries Type of membrane: Type 1 membrane based on PVC coated fabric with special membrane lacquerCovered surface: 144m²

Restaurant boat, UkraineSIOEN Industries is the supplier of the membrane material (product T1107) for this interesting project in Kiev, Ukraine.

CALL for participants Working Group Disaster Relief

Tensinet is launching a WorkingGroup Disaster Relief that aims tobridge the gap between the fieldknowledge and needs, the academicand research activities, and themanufacturers’ requirements.Therefore the Working Group bringstogether these differentcommunities in order to improve thecooperation and the sharing ofknow ledge and information.Interested to participate? More information can be found onhttp://www.tensinet.com/files/General_information/WG_disaster_relief_2009-09-16.doc


Name of the project: ETFE foil cushions roof for Dresdener Castle's "Kleiner Schlosshof" Location address / Year of construction: Dresden, Germany / 2008Client (investor): Staatsbetrieb Sächs. Immob.- und BaumanagementFunction of building: Covering inner courtyard Type of application of the membrane: 256 different rhombus shaped

double layer ETFE Foil cushionsArchitects: Peter Kulka Architektur Dresden GmbHStructural engineers + Consulting engineer for the membrane: form TLEngineering of the controlling mechanism: form TLProject management: Kaiser Baucontrol GmbHContractor for the membrane: CENO TEC GmbH Textile ConstructionsSupplier of the membrane raw material: Dyneon GmbHManufacture and installation: CENO TEC GmbH Textile ConstructionsMaterial: ETFE Foil cushionsSupplier of the membrane material: Nowofol Kunststoffprodukte GmbH & CoRoofed area: 1420m²

265ETFE foil cushions

C E N O T E C

The "Kleiner Schlosshof" is thecentral meeting place within the

Dresdener castle complex and is accessible from the Hofkirche,

the Taschenbergpalais and the Schlossstrasse.

The roofing according to designs byProf. Peter Kulka has seen thecreation of a 640m² foyer area. The transparent membranecushion roof consists of a load-bearing lattice shell withETFE-membrane cushions fixedinto the lattice structure. Weighing about 84 tonnes, the dome has been assembledaccurately to the last millimetreusing 3D plans. Precisepreparations were required in orderto achieve this goal. Only atolerance of 30 to 40mm wasallowed. The dome consists of atotal of 200 individual parts, 50 of which were prefabricated.The load-bearing structure is adouble-vaulted lattice shell ofwelded rectangular steel profiles.Some of these profiles are alsoused to supply the cushions

with compressed air.The lattice shell – which hoversover 30m above the courtyard –was filled one-by-one with a totalof 265 membrane cushions. Thecushions are of stable, extremelylightweight and weatherproofplastic construction. Both the load-bearing structure and the cushionstake the form of a rhombus with amaximal side length of 2.8m and amaximal diagonal length of 4.1m.Once integrated into the roofstructure the cushions were filledwith compressed air at 800 Pascals. The membrane area isin total 1420m² for a plan of 41m x 25m.

� Anne Bosse, CENO TEC GmbH Textile Constructions

� [email protected]� www.ceno-tec.de

A new roof for the Castle`s "Kleiner Schlosshof",

Dresden, Germany


Since the summer of 2008, a highlytransparent film roof from CENOTEC made of the high performancematerial Dyneon™ ETFE spans theatrium of the ”Bürohäuser KölnRheinhallen” (North side) and ofthe “Bürohäuser Köln Rheinpark“(South side). With a total floorspace of 160.000m2, this iscurrently Europe’s largestsuperstructure construction site,where the new headquarters of theRTL Media Group and the newlocation of the HDI GerlingInsurance Company will be housedwithin sight of the famous CologneCathedral and Cologne’s “Altstadt”[oldest part of town].

When built, back in 1928 oncommission from the mayor ofCologne at the time, KonradAdenauer, the Rhine Halls wereconsidered to be the most modernexhibition halls in all of Germany.Now eighty years later, they arebeing converted to a modern officecomplex for the TV broadcaster RTLand the Gerling InsuranceCompany, which is part of theTalanx Group.

The design created by the Colognearchitectural office of Hentrich-Petschnigg & Partner GmbH &Co.KG divides the Rhine Halls intotwo halves along the north-south

axis with a 150m long by 26m wide,light-flooded atrium. The biggestcushions have a dimension of 26mx 24.3m, 26m x 29.7m and 26m x33.7m. After the original buildingcomplex, which with its distinctivebrick facade is protected as ahistorical monument, wasrenovated, a highly transparent filmroof made of DyneonTM ETFE wasspanned over the atrium.

The highly transparent roof consistsof five multilayered film cushions ofroughly 26m by 30m each. Theyare distinguished by theirexceptionally high lighttransmittance of around 90% forthe visible spectrum. In addition,they guarantee 100% protectionagainst harmful UV-C radiation.The distinctive highlight of the roofis that cables are used to suspendthe film cushions over the 26mwide atrium. The cables, placedevery 60cm to form a kind of web,give the entire constructionexceptional stability yet a feeling oflightness. The films of DyneonTM

ETFE have a tensile strength of11.5kN/m while weighing only 1 to1.5 kg/m2. They are extremely tearand puncture-resistant as well asresistant to hail stones.

The company CENO TEC GmbH,located in Greven, handled the

entire project planning forconstruction of the roof, fabricatedthe ETFE film cushions, built thesteel structures, cables and blowersystem, and completely installedthe roof. The films themselves wereproduced with a thickness of250μm by the Upper Bavariancompany NOWOFOL Kunst -stoffprodukte GmbH & Co.KG. Inaddition to a performance life of atleast 25 to 35 years, the films madeof DyneonTM ETFE feature very highresistance to the most diverseenvironmental factors such as UVradiation, chemicals, solvents andvarious climatic and weatherconditions. To manufacture thefilms, NOWOFOL needs neitherstabilizers nor plasticizers whichcan evaporate over time thus

negatively affecting the excellentproperties of the roof construction.The extremely smooth surface ofthe film does not provide fungus orbacteria a place to take hold evenafter years of use. It is virtually self-cleaning with just a simple rainshower. An additional feature of the CENO TEC film cushions madeof Dyneon ETFE is that they havegood sound and thermal insulatingproperties. A further benefit of films made of DyneonTM ETFE,especially for large structures, is that they feature very lowflammability and are classified as fire class B1.

� Helmut Frisch� [email protected]� www.dyneon.com

General view and view from the atrium © Ceno Tec

D Y N E O N

Highly transparent multilayered film cushions

Atrium of the Cologne office building Rhine Halls & Rhine Parc, Germany

Name of the project: Kölner Rheinhallen (Cologne Rhine Halls)Location address: Kölnmesse Service GmbH, Messeplatz 1, Köln, GermanyFunction of building: New headquarters of the RTL Media Group and

the new location of the HDI Gerling Insurance CompanyType of application of the membrane: Atrium roofingYear of construction: 2007/2008Architects: Hentrich-Petschnigg & Partner GmbH & Co.KGEngineering: sbp & form TLMembrane producer: NOWOFOL Kunststoffprodukte GmbH & Co.KGSupplier of the membrane raw material: Dyneon GmbHManufacture and installation: CENO TEC GmbHMaterial: Dyneon™ ETFE 250 micron,

on the outer film a pattern is printed (33% to 50%) Covered surface (roofed area): 4.000m2

Detail connection structure – film cushions


RESEARCH

1. INTRODUCTIONThis study focuses on the promising materialwhich is abundant in the Bicol Region,Philippines, the abaca fabric. For many years,the abaca fabric has been utilized as adecorative material for export and domesticproducts. In the history of abaca industry,such fabric was never considered as a primeconstruction material. Within the frameworkof this study, the material strength ofuncoated abaca fabric is tested for itsstructural use, specifically for temporarytensile structure. Fabrication and constructionof a full-scale hypar form are tested andsubjected to the full provisions of the NationalStructural Code of the Philippines concerningtemporary structures. This study comparesthe membrane stresses generated by theFORTEN 3000 software for tensile structureswith the physical test results of uncoatedabaca fabric supplied by the Philippine TextileResearch Institute (PTRI) Testing Laboratory.Traditionally, hand-woven abaca fabric is bestknown for its tribal community identity. Thisstudy focuses on one hand-woven abaca fabricdistinctively made within the Bicol Region, thePinukpok. Pinukpok is an exquisite silk madefrom abaca fiber which is abundant in theBicol Region. It is processed by literallybeating the fiber using a huge wooden mortarand pestle. Constant beating of the fiberbrings out its sheen and softnesscharacteristic of silk fabrics.

Study ObjectivesThis study aims to test various hand-wovenabaca textiles as an alternative material fortemporary tensile structures. Primarily, thisstudy seeks to promote the use of a bio degra -dable and ecofriendly abaca textile as analternative material for temporary tensilestructures. In addition, the following sub-objectives are also considered:

a. To test the validity and acceptability of pre-selected handwoven abaca fabric using a weaving reed of 30 dpi (dot per inch).

b. To enhance the applicability of abaca fabricin constructing lightweight structures.

Scope and Limitation This study focuses on pre-selected hand-woven Pinukpok abaca fabric within the Bicol Region.The material testing wasconducted in the laboratory of the PTRI,specifically, the tensile strength, elongationand tearing strength per 5cm strip of fabric.Pinukpok abaca fabrics were joined togetherby mechanical sewing and all seams weretested using a 5cm strip of fabric.To test thevalidity of the uncoated hand-woven abacamaterials, a full-scale hypar tensile structurewas fabricated and tested using the applicabledead load, live load and wind load as specifiedin the National Structural Code of thePhilippines.

Reliability of Abaca FiberBased on the PTRI research publication, theBicol Region produces three varieties of abacafabric, namely, Abuab, Itolaus 45 andTinawagang Puti. The tensile strength of theAbuab variety ranges from 31.90 kg.m/g ((kg per m) per (gr of fabric per m2))to 35.70 kg.m/g while that of the Itolaus 45 variety ranges from 34.96 kg.m/g to 48.93 kg.m/g and the Tinawagang Puti varietyranges from 33.06 kg.m/g to 36.60 kg.m/g.As a rule of thumb, the followingrequirements were faithfully followed duringthe selection process of the abaca fiber: a. Hand-stripped abaca conforms to the

S2 and S3 designation and has an excellentfiber grading.

b. Machine-stripped abaca conforms to the S-S2 and S-S3 designation and has anexcellent fiber grading.

c. Fiber length is 4.49mm and 4.37mm for

machine and hand-stripped fibers,respectively.

d. Fiber diameter is 20.74 microns and 20.79microns for machine and hand-strippedfibers, respectively.

e. Moisture content is 8.40% and 8.64% formachine and hand stripped fibers,respectively.

2. LITERATURE REVIEWWith the development of an indigenous fiberinto textile material and the creation of thePhilippine Tropical Fabric (PTF), the PTRIpioneered the research and development of anatural fabric found in abaca, pineapple andbanana. The institute further standardized thequality of fabric produced in the Philippines forcommercial applicability. The PTRI publishedthe “Samay Bulletin,” a technical and semi-technical publication of the PTRI. It containsarticles pertaining to different researches andactivities related to textiles. Furthermore, theinstitute published another related sourcebook “Kalamata,” which contains PTRI weavedesigns and features innovative handloom-woven products from indigenous fibers.

The Abaca Plant Abaca is a perennial plant which grows in theBicol Region. It resembles the banana plantbut is smaller in size. A mature abaca plantconsists of about 12 to 30 stalks radiatingfrom a central root system. Its group of stalksranges from 6 to 15 feet high. These stalks aremade up of a central core which is encircled byoverlapping leaf sheaths, each bearing a frondof 3-6 feet long and about 12 inches wide(Villafuerte-Abonal, 2006) (Fig. 1).

An alternativenatural material

for temporary tensile structure

Uncoated Abaca Fabric

Figure 1. Abaca plant – Abaca stalk – Abaca fiber


RESEARCH

Abaca Fiber Material Conversion ProcessThe material conversion process officiallystarts when the abaca plant reaches itsmaturity period which ranges from 18 to 24months after it has been planted. Harvestingor simply cutting down the plants involves atedious process that requires the separationof the leaves and trunk of the abaca plant.During the harvesting, the abaca stalks arecut close to the ground. After cutting thestalks, the entire leaf sheaths are separatedfrom the stalk and flattened using a tuxyingknife to extract the fiber from within. Oncethe fibers are recovered from the leaf sheaths,the hand stripping method is employed.Hand-stripping of abaca fibers is a verystrenuous task. The tuxy is inserted between ablock and the serrated stripping knife andpulled with force from the tip end of the tuxy.During the process of hand-stripping, theweight of the fibers recovered varies from1.5% to 2% of the freshly cut stalks. Then thestripped fibers are dried in an open area toprevent molds and weevils from affecting thequality of the fibers.

State of the ArtExcept for the study conducted by Hagad(2005), which establishes the properties of S2 grade fiber from 12 commercial abacavarieties found in the Philippines, the currentstudy is different from all the studiesconducted by the Philippine Textile ResearchInstitute. In order to bridge the gap betweenthe present and past research works, thecurrent work is focused on the materialproperties of the pre-selected abaca fiber andinvestigated the tensile strength of hand-woven abaca fabric following the EN ISOstandard for Uniaxial strip test. It alsoinvestigated the behavior of mechanicallysewed seams and determined the capacity ofjoined materials. Furthermore, this study is a

pioneering work which fuses the technologydeveloped by Frei Otto and the Institute ofLightweight Structures by using the abacafabric (Fig. 2) for a temporary tensile structurein lieu of the tested poly vinyl chloride coatedpolyester fabric.

3. RESEARCH DESIGNThis paragraph is a description of the researchmethodology, testing instrument, loadingassumptions and the computational methodused in this study.

MethodologyThe testing of the uncoated abaca fabric wasimplemented at the PTRI of the Departmentof Science and Technology. Abaca fabricsamples were submitted for testing of itsmechanical properties. The representativesamples came from the same variety andquality of the fabric that was used forfabricating the abaca hypar temporary tensile structure.

EN ISO Standard for Testing Fabric Materialsa. The Tensile Strength test follows the

EN ISO 13934-1:1999 Textiles-TensileProperties of Fabrics – Part 1:Determination of Maximum Force andElongation at Maximum Force Using theStrip Method. Zwick/Roell Tensile StrengthTester Z005 (CRE) with 5 kN full scale load,a rate of extension of 20 mm/min, and apretension force of 2.0 Newton were usedin the PTRI to test the uncoatedhandwoven abaca fabric. Four specimenswith 50mm width and 200mm gaugelength were tested.

b. The determination of mass followed theISO 3801-1977: Textiles – Woven Fabrics –Determination of Mass per Unit Length andMass per Unit Area. Five specimens weretested using the J.A. King PneumaticSample Cutter SASD-677 equipment.

c. The Tearing Strength test followed theASTM D1424-07: Standard Test Method forTearing Strength of Fabrics by Falling-Pendulum Type (Elmendorf Apparatus).Five specimens were tested using theElmendorf Tearing Strength Tester.

d. The yarn number, denier, ASTM D1059-01:Standard Test Method for Yarn NumberBased on Short-Length Specimens. TheZweigle Twist Tester D311 equipment wasused to test the ten specimens.

Loading AssumptionsBasic loading assumptions were taken fromthe National Structural Code of thePhilippines (NSCP C101-01) and theANSI/ASCE 7-95, Minimum Design Loads forBuilding and Other Structures.Form Finding and Analysis

With the advent of computer-aided designsoftware, the researcher used the FORTEN3000 (licensed copy) – A System for TensileStructures Design and Manufacturingsoftware developed by Gerry D’ANZA andBaku Group DT. Form finding is a computer process by whichthe physical form of a membrane structure isgenerated. This involves a mathematicalcomputation which uses one of the following:a) the force density method, b) the non-linearfinite element methods, and c) the dynamicrelaxation method.Forten 3000 software algorithm employs thestatic geometrical nonlinear analysis using aNewton-Raphson method for form-findingand analysis of membrane stresses. Cutting Pattern is a module contained in theFORTEN 3000 software which produces thefinal layout of tensile fabric for productionpurposes.

4. ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATIONThe researcher would like to emphasize thatthis study does not in any way substitute thetested and proven materials used in tensilestructures, i.e., woven polyester textile coatedwith poly vinyl chloride (PVC), woven glasstextile coated with poly tetra fluor ethylene(PTFE) and ethyl tetra fluor ethylene (ETFE).This study only tests the applicability ofuncoated abaca fabric in constructionindustry as sun shade. As a guiding principle,the researcher follows the advice of his latementor, Prof. Jose Ma. De Castro, ProfessorEmeritus of the College of Engineering in theUniversity of the Philippines, in finding waysand means to address the growing problemsencountered in Civil Engineering practices andmaterials development in the localconstruction industry.

Mechanical Properties of the Abaca FabricIn order to simplify the description of the twosamples that were submitted for testing atthe PTRI, the following samples shall beknown as:

SN 1332-08 - Sinamay Fabric with Design (a fabric with strand of different color, designwithout any structural concern)SN 1333-08 - Sinamay Fabric withoutDesign

These simplifications were necessitated toease the evaluation of parameters andmethods in the preceding sections.Based on the physical testing results obtainedby the PTRI, the following mechanicalproperties of the abaca fabric were found:a. Breaking Force, N - Two samples under

the label PTRI SN 1332-08 and PTRI SN

Figure 2. Handwoven Abaca fabric

1333-08 were submitted for testingprocedures. The SN 1332-08 yielded abreaking force on warp of 410N and fillingof 380N, while the SN 1333-08 sampleyielded a breaking force on warp of 440Nand filling of 140N, respectively.

b. Tensile Strength, N/m - Two samplesunder the same label were tested todetermine the tensile strength of the fabricby strip method. Sample SN 1332-08yielded a warp strength of 12800N/m and afilling strength of 10980 N/m, while sampleSN 1333-08 yielded a warp strength of15200N/m, and a filling strength of4600N/m.

c. Average Elongation, % - Sample SN 1332-08 exhibited an elongation on the warpdirection of 3.4%, and 3.2% on the fillingdirection while sample SN 1333-08 yieldedan elongation of 3.2% on the warpdirection, and 3.4% on the filling direction.

d. Mass Per Unit Area, g/m2 - Sample SN1332-08 yielded a mass of 92g/m2, whilesample SN 1333-08 yielded a mass of 60 g/m2.

e. Tearing Strength, N - Both samples SN1332-08 and SN 1333-08 were untearable.SN 1332-08 tearing occurred at theopposite direction for warp and filling, whileSN 13308 failed due to slippage.

f. Thickness, mm - Thickness of bothmaterials were measured using SDL DigitalThickness Gauge. Sample SN 1332-08yielded a 0.84mm thickness, while SN1333-08 yielded a 0.32mm thickness.

g. Yarn Number, denier - Sample SN 1332-08 yielded a 253.08 denier on the warpdirection and 261.36 denier on the fillingdirection, while SN 1333-08 yielded a351.72 denier on the warp direction, and177.12 denier on the filling direction.

Evaluation of ResultsWith respect to the loadings, the dead weightof the abaca membrane structure wassuperimposed as vector loads at 92g/m2, whilethe live loads were computed based on theassumption of minimum live load on the tri-mesh as pressure loads of 59.12kg/m2. Thewind loadings were taken from NSCP code forcurve roof on a windward quarter load of -20.08 kg/m2, a center half load of -18.25 kg/m2, and a leeward quarter load of -11.16 kg/m2 . The displacementresponses along Dx and Dy were measured ata maximum value of 22mm and 20mm,respectively. The displacement response alongDz (Fig. 3) indicates a maximum value of84mm on both sides of the hypar structure.Figure 4 represents the membrane s11 stresseswith values that ranges from 671.241 kg/mnear the corner plate to a value of 56.234 kg/m

in other areas. The membrane s22 stresses(Fig. 5) indicate a maximum value of 176.876 kg/m near the corner plateconnection and a minimum value of 22.109 kg/m in other areas. The reaction forces(Fig. 6) on the 4.0m mast is 3522.27 kg whilethat of the 2.0m mast is 2015.84 kg. The reaction forces on the two cable stayswhich hold the 4.0m mast are 1465.47 kg and1489.89 kg, respectively, while the reactionforces on the two cable stays which hold thereaction forces on the other mast are 1366.75 kg and 1386.42 kg, respectively.

Cutting PatternsTo fully implement and construct the formwhich was generated by the software, a flatcutting pattern was laid out first, using theFORTEN 3000 software which includes both acutting pattern and production modules. Since the hypar is symmetrical in itscenterlines (x-axis and y-axis), patterning was imple men ted to take into considerationthe symmetry in order to ease the productionand fabrication stages. Figure 7 indicates the cutting pattern for theleft and right half of the hypar. This cuttingpattern consists of nine patterns on each sidewith a width ranging from 0.65m to 0.08mand a length ranging from 8.79m to 0.11m.Tabulated coordinates of the sides andwelding markers were indicated on thepattern. A stretch compensationcorresponding to the test results of 3.4% and

3.2% were adjusted along the weft and warpdirections, respectively.

Fabrication and Construction of Tensile StructureAfter the patterning has been completed, aCAD drawing of the 18 patterns wasexported to JPEG files. Since the researcherwas unable to find a cutting machine thatwould have directly cut the patterns, atedious process of converting all the 18 CADdrawing files into JPEG files wasimplemented. This process was done so thatthe JPEG files can be modified by Photoshopand printed on tarpaulin media using acommercial plotter, which is readilyavailable in the market. Figure 7 indicatesthe printed pattern that was cut into 18patterns. It presents the finished productswhich served as the templates that wereused to cut the abaca fabric pattern. Joiningthe abaca patterns (Fig. 8) through sewingwas painstakingly implemented using aconventional sewing machine. The primarystructure (Fig. 9) was fabricated usinggalvanized pipes for mast, mild steel platesfor corner plates and anchor base plates. Thecable, frame turnbuckle, shackle straight“D,” and wire thimble are made of stainlesssteel materials. The connection of stainlesscable to the turnbuckle and shackle wereimplemented by using aluminum ferrulesand a half tonne hydraulic crimper instead ofusing a cable clip or swagging machine.


RESEARCH

3

7

4 5 6


RESEARCH

� Salvador R. Aldecoa� [email protected] R. Aldecoa recently finishes his Master Mem brane Structure (MMSt)from the Anhalt Uni ver sity of Applied Sciences and the Institute for Membraneand Shell Technologies e.V., Dessau, Germany.

REFERENCESAbonal-Villafuerte, L. (2006). ABACA Philippines. Singapore: Apples of Gold

Publishing.Aldecoa, S. (2009). Uncoated Abaca Fabric: An Alternative Material for

Temporary Tensile Structure. Unpublished Masteral Thesis, Anhalt Universityof Applied Sciences, Dessau, Germany.

Blum, R. and Bogner-Balz, H. (2007). Materials for Textile Architecture. Dessau,Germany: Institute fur Membran-und schalentechnologien e.V.

Bubner, E. (2005). Membrankonstruktionen verbindungstechniken. Essen,Germany: Druckerei Wehlmann GmbH

De Leon, M. (2007). Performance evaluation of Philippine tropical fabrics asDOST office uniform. Philippine Textile Research Institute Samay Bulletin7,1:1-10.

Foster, B., and Mollaert, M. (2004). European Design Guide for Tensile SurfaceStructures. Brussel: Vrije Universiteit Brussel.

Hagad, S.M. (2005). Properties of S2 grade fiber from twelve commercial abacavarieties. Philippine Textile Research Institute Samay Bulletin 5, 1:6-15.

Muhlbauer, W. and Hutter, C.P. (2002). Utilization of abaca fiber as industrialraw material. European Nature Heritage Fund Publication, 1-6.

Nerdinger, W. Editor (2005), Lightweight Construction Natural Design, Frei OttoComplete Works. Basel, Switzerland: Birkhauser Publisher.

Otto, F and Rasch B. (2006). Finding Forms. Munich, Germany: Axel Menges.Quiros, I. (2005). Pretreatment and dyeing technology for abaca fibers.

Philippine Textile Research Institute Samay Bulletin 5,1:43-48(1996) Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures. New York:

American Society of Civil Engineers.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONSBased on the outcome of the fabrication andinstallation of the uncoated abaca tensilestructure (Figure 5), the PTRI testing results,and the analysis and interpretation of results,the following conclusions were deduced:a. With regard to the main objective of this

study, it is evident that the stresses anddeformations exhibited in Figures 3, 4 & 5clearly show that it can withstand theexternal loadings imposed on it. Themembrane s11 stress levels of the abacafabric ranges from 671.241 kg/m to 56.234kg/m, while the ultimate stress of abacafabric based on PTRI test results ranges from1304.79 kg/m to 1119.27 kg/m. Using asafety factor of 2.0 for temporary structures,

the maximum permitted stress is 652.40kg/m which is slightly lower than themembrane s11 stress level of 671.241 kg/m.Therefore, the uncoated abaca fabric can beutilized as an alternative material fortemporary tensile structures.

b. With regard to the sub-objectives of thisstudy, Figures 8 & 9 clearly show that thepre-selected uncoated abaca fabric can befabricated with ease and constructed astemporary tensile structures.

c. A yarn number that is equal to or higherthan 253 denier can be utilized as analternative material for temporary tensilestructure.

d. With respect to the enhancement of theapplicability of the abaca fabric in the field ofconstruction, Figure 9 clearly justifies the use

of the material in the construction industry. e. With the successful construction of the first

abaca tensile structure in the Philippines, theapplicability of the abaca fabric in theconstruction industry opens a new andpromising horizon in the near future. It isrecommended however that further study beconducted on the following subjects:a. Test the long term effects of weathering

and enhance the life span of uncoatedabaca fabric;

b. Test the applicability of different weavingreed or yarn number of abaca fabric.

Finally, it has to be noted that this studydoes not cover the designed wind speedbrought about by tropical typhoon thatfrequently enters the Philippine Area ofResponsibility.

Figure 3. Indication ofdisplacement responsealong Dz of a hyparstructure.Figure 4. Indication ofmembrane s11 stresses Figure 5. Indication ofmembrane s22 stresses Figure 6. Indication ofreaction forces on masts Figure 7. Cutting patternsFigure 8. Joining thepatterns Figure 9. Erecting theacaba tensile structure

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CANOBBIO

The Expo Boulevard is a 1km long channel which is designed to connectthe entrances of major pavilions of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo Parkand also the elevated pedestrian walkway. Consisting of 2 floorsunderground and 2 floors above the ground the Boulevard is a large-scale, multi-functional combination of transportation, commercialactivities, catering, entertainment and exhibition services. The six 40m high horn-shaped structures of the "Sunny Valleys" divert sunlight into underground levels of the Expo Boulevard and collect rainwater for use after recycling. In thesesix valleys there are about 10000 joints and every joint has a differentangle and position. So the construction has to be very precise.Saint Gobain Performance Plastics supplied more than 100.000m2 PTFEArchitectural Membrane for the roofing tensile membrane structurecovering the whole Boulevard to create an innovative, spectacular spatialvisual effect.

SAINT-GOBAIN

Shanghai World Expo 2010

Roofing tensile membrane structure

Name of the project: Shanghai Subway Station Line 6Location: Pudong District, Shanghai, ChinaClient (investor): Shanghai Mass Transit Pudong-Line Co, LTD, ChinaFunction of building: Roof for Subway StationType of application of the membrane: Transport infrastructureYear of construction: 2006Architects: Canobbio Asiatex, ChinaMulti disciplinary engineering: IF GermanyStructural engineers: Tongji University Design Institute, ChinaConsulting engineer for the membrane: IF GermanyEngineering of the controlling mechanism: Shanghai SMCC, ChinaMain contractor: Combination of Shanghai SMCC & Canobbio Asiatex, ChinaTensile membrane contractor: Canobbio Asiatex, ChinaSupplier of the membrane material: Saint Gobain Performance PlasticsManufacture and installation: Canobbio Asiatex, ChinaMaterial: PTFE coated fabric - Sheerfill IICovered surface: 8.000m² for 3 stations. The covered surface of each umbrella is 156m². The dimension of each umbrella is 13m*10m. Each station is covered by 16 umbrellas.

PTFE umbrellas for three stationsShanghai Subway Station Line 6, China

The three stations of the ShanghaiSubway Station Line 6 are coveredby 16 inverted umbrellas each. Theumbrellas are shaped with a cableborderline at the high point andhave a drainage system integratedat the lower part. It is known thatPTFE can absolutely not be folded.In the designed configuration itwas a problem how to weld thelast FEP (fluorinated ethylene

propylene copolymer) film seamsuccessfully to make the wholeinto the shape of an umbrella. Thecommon way is to use aluminiumclamps to put the last two weldedpieces together and wrap over theclamps some film of the sametype. However, the client insistedthat the umbrella should be awhole unit and they did not agreeto change the way of connection.


So when the fabric was beingwelded and installed we had tofind a solution for the followingproblems: 1. How to make the last weldingseam?The last welding seam was weldedon site with a width of 10cm.2. How to manage the installation?First the welding desk waspositioned according to the 3Dshape of the welding seam, nextthe welded fabric was wrappedaround the steel structure andthen it took five minutes to weldthe last seam.3. How to drain the rainwater?The rainwater is evacuatedthrough the bottom circle of theinverted umbrella. The steelcolumns supporting each umbrellawere designed to be equipped withdrainpipes and were galvanizedinside from top to the bottom tocreate an integral drainage systemthat is unperceivable. Thesecolumns are connected to theunderground-drainage system ofthe subway station.

� Mr Luo XiangyuCanobbio Asiatex Construction Technology Co.,LTD (Guangzhou, China)

� [email protected] � www.canobbio.com.cn

MEHLER TEXNOLOGIES

Cantilevermembrane roof

International Cricket Stadium & Sports Complex,

Maharashtra, India

The Stadium is built inside the DY Patil Vidyanagarcampus. The DY Patil is the latest addition toMumbai’s list of cricket venues and at the momentthe largest membrane roof in India. With all theessential ingredients to host internationals, the DYPatil Stadium boasts of 9 tennis hard courts, 4 indoorbadminton courts and an Olympic sized swimmingpool, apart from big dressing rooms and a greenoutfield. A unique feature of the stadium is the cantilevermembrane roof which eliminates the need for anysupports thus providing the spectators with anunobstructed view of the match from any placewithin the stand. First requirement for this project wasto design a cost effective stadium roof which shall beeasy and faster to execute. Considering this issue, theselection of the material was very important. Hence,the customer decided to go for tensile structure forthe stadium roof. 17m Cantiliver roof trusses are designed with rear sidetie supports in round pipes to have an uninterruptedview of the cricket ground and the spectators.The profile and the placement of roof trusses isworked out in such a way that there will be no waterlogging on fabric as well as air escape will take place

naturally to avoid up lift of wind. The use of tensilefabrics added an aesthetic value to the stadium roofas well as it has reduced the consumption of steel.The shape of the membrane roof was developed inorder to avoid any natural shadow on the playgroundwhereas it also able to grant sun protection to thespectators.

� Paolo Giugliano� [email protected]� www.mehler-texnologies.com

Project Name: International Cricket Stadium & Sports Complex

Location: Nerul, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, IndiaClient: Dr. D.Y. Patil Sports AcademyArchitect: Hafeez ContractorStructural Design: Eco Designs Pvt Ltd. Working Drawings & Shop Drawings: Sanjiv P. Dongre /Dr. D.Y.Patil Design Cell. Dr. D. Y. Patil Sports Academy

Steel Fabrication & Execution: DAS Offshore. CBDFabric Manufacturer: Skyspan AsiaFabric Installation: Mc Coy Architectural SystemType of Fabric used: Mehler Valmex FR1000 (Type III) -

Both side weldable PVDFYear of Completion: 2008Total Area: 9300m²

Saint-Gobain Performance Plasticsis also supplier of FEP and PFA(perfluoroalkoxy) for welding PTFEfabric membranes and ETFE forfilm membrane constructions. It’s scheduled to be completed by the end of 2009. The Expo Boulevard project is notonly a landmark project in theExpo district, but will also be a citylandscape architecture of Shanghaiin the future.

� Roland Keil � [email protected]� www.chemfab.com

Name of the project: 2010 Shanghai World Expo Boulevard Roofing StructureLocation address: Shanghai, China Client (investor): Shanghai Expo Land Holding Co., LTDFunction of building: multi-functional combination of transportation and commercial servicesYear of construction: 2009 Architects: East China Architectural Design&Research Institute Co., LTD + SBA Design office, GermanyStructural engineers: East China Architectural Design&Research Institute Co.,LTD Consulting engineer for the membrane: Shanghai Taiyo Kogyo Co., LTDMain contractor: Shanghai Construction GroupContractor for the membrane (Tensile membrane contractor): Shanghai Taiyo Kogyo.Co,.LTDSupplier of the membrane material: Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation Manufacture and installation: Shanghai Mechanized Construction Co., LTDMaterial: PTFE Coated Fabric (SHEERFILL I )Covered surface: 70.000m2

Cost: RMB 380 Million (including Sunny Valleys, Steel Structure and Membrane Structure)


This illustrated description shows severalmethods of forming prefabricated thin-shell

concrete structures using molds made fromhanging flat sheets of fabric. These fabric

sheets are allowed to deflect into naturallyoccurring funicular geometries, producing

molds for light weight funicular compressionvaults and stiff double curvature wall panels.

These methods were developed at theCentre for Architectural Structures and

Technology (C.A.S.T.) at the University ofManitoba’s Faculty of Architecture.

INTRODUCTIONSome of the work illustrated here closelyfollows methods of funicular shellformation pioneered by Heinz Isler, who used small-scale funicular models to determine full-scale constructiongeometry and structural behavior ofreinforced concrete thin-shells. Our workis aimed at making full-scale hangingfabric molds using powerful industrialfabrics - essentially scaling-up Isler’smodel-making method into full-sized shellmolds. The maximum size of thesestructures has yet to be determined. Our early small full-size constructions areillustrated here as indications of thepotential for “self-forming” funicularfabric molds.

Our work at CAST uses a simple set ofconstruction tools, fasteners, andtechnologies. We do not “tailor” our fabricmolds into pre-set curvatures - we useonly flat sheets of fabric taken right off therole. The shell geometries illustrated hereare given to us by the naturaldeformations of these simple flat-sheets,and are, in this sense, “found”, “natural”,structures. The goal of this work is toinvent simple and beautiful structures thatconsume less material in construction,while opening new degrees of freedom toarchitects, engineers and builders in bothhigh- and low-capital building cultures.

THIN-SHELL CONCRETE FROM FABRIC MOLDS

RESEARCH

DIRECT-CAST FABRIC-FORMED THIN-SHELL VAULTS / BEAMS

Example 1: Double-curvature funicular shell cast directly from a single hanging flat sheet of fabric

In this construction a single flat rectangle of fabric is hung from a simple perimeter frame and usedas a mold to form a double curvature vault. A simple frame is provided to support the edges fabric(Left above). The fabric is stretched lengthwise to remove any wrinkles, and stapled to the sides ofthis frame (Right above).

Instead of conventional steel reinforcing this vault was made with carbon grid reinforcing. Carbonreinforcing allows for a very thin section - only 3 cm (1 in.) thick. Carbon, unlike steel, does notrequire an extra concrete covering to protect it from corrosion.

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RESEARCH

C.A.S.T. Lab, Winnipeg - May 2009

This construction used the same curved edgesupports as the previous example, but in thiscase a central “keel” was used to control thebottom curvature of the mold. This keel, madeof two layers of 3/4” plywood, holds two flatsheets of fabric sandwiched between them(Bottom Left, Bottom Centre). 1/8” plywood“feathers boards” were placed at the ends ofthe mold rig (seen Below) to ensure that theloaded fabric follows a smooth and fairtransition to the flat support areas at either endof the vault.When the concrete (a portland cement mortar)is troweled onto this mold, the fabric deflectsdownwards slightly under the weight. This shell was reinforced with carbon fibre,allowing a thickness of only 3 cm.

Example 2:Double-curvature lenticular shell cast directly from two flat sheets of fabric



RESEARCH

NEW FABRICFOR MAKING FABRIC-FORMED RIGID MOLDSWoven, high density, polyethylene or polypropylene fabrics can be manufactured with asmooth waterproof coating on one side, and a fuzzy non-woven fabric welded to the other side.When concrete is applied to the fuzzy non-woven side, the fabric will permanently adhere to it,providing a smooth, permanent, plastic-coated release surface for a mold. Concrete will not adhere to the smooth polyethylene or polypropylene coating of these fabrics.No oils or other release agents are needed, though the use of such release agents will prolongthe life of these molds.Prototype mold fabrics have been produced for CAST by Fabrene Inc., a manufacturer ofindustrial plastic fabrics. The (limited) test data for one such fabric (Fabrene “DevelopmentProduct W756”) is shown below. This particular product adapts an existing fabric commonlyused for inexpensive fabric covered agricultural and storage shelters. It is manufactured in 3 m(10 ft.) wide roles. It can be heat-welded into larger sheets, or reinforced in multiple layers.Stronger fabrics are also available for this application if required.

FABRIC FORMED MOLD FORPRECAST THIN-SHELL VAULTS Lafarge Precast Factory, Winnipeg - April 2007

This prototype rigid funicular fabric-formed mold isintended as formwork for thin-shell GFRC stay-in-placepan formwork for cast-in-place (CIP) floor slabs. The funicular compression shell shape given by theseformwork pans allows a CIP concrete slab to span in purecompression between the integral support beams, thusreducing concrete and deadweight.

Floor struc ture viewed from below showingthe pattern of individual precastcompression vault form work pans for a cast-in-place slab.

A simple open frame is constructed tosupport and suspended a flat sheet offuzzy-backed formwork fabric. A uniform thickness of fiber-reinforcedconcrete is placed over the fabric. In this case a sprayedshotcrete was used, though hand-application of the concrete is alsopossible. The edges were reinforcedwith steel rebar. The fuzzy fabric backing adheres to theconcrete, producing a plastic-coatedmold for precast production of stay-in-place formwork pans or thin-shellfunicular compression vaults.

A prototype thin-shell vault cast from a rigidfabric-formed mold is currently beingconstructed at CAST. The plaster model of this vault is shown above . This model is made by stretching a fuzzy-backed plastic sheet over a rigid framework rig.The fabric is then loaded with plaster to modela thin uniform layer of glass fiber reinforcedconcrete (GFRC). The resulting form is thenlifted off the formwork rig and turned over,providing a rigid, one-piece, fabric-lined femalemold for casting thin shell vaults. Many different vault shapes can be formed byaltering the geometry of the support rig and bythe strategies employed in restraining the flatfabric sheet and pulling it into place. The shapeof this particular vault is designed to provide acompression vault form with its own integraltension restraint. The straight, flat, “keel” orridge formed along the center-line of this vaultcontains the tension reinforcing required torestrain the horizontal thrust of thecompression vaults formed on either side. Edge beams are formed at the support ends totransfer the horizontal thrust of the vaults tothis central line of tension restraint. This structural shape combines the geometry ofa bending-moment-shaped beam with that of atied funicular compression vaults.

FABRIC-FORMED RIGIDMOLD FOR PRECASTTHIN-SHELL VAULTS

PROPERTY UNIT VALUES TEST METHODUNIT WEIGHT G/M2 545 ASTM D3776WARP CONSTRUCTION TAPES/10CM WARP 63 ASTM D3775

WEFT 63TENSILE GAB STRENGTH NEWTONS WARP 2290 ASTM D751

WEFT 19401” TENSILE STRENGTH NEWTONS WARP 1240 ASTM D882

WEFT 10601”TENSILE ELONGATION % WARP 22.7 ASTM D882

WEFT 18.6TEAR STRENGTH (TONGUE) NEWTONS WARP 290 ASTM D2261

WEFT 220NOMINAL THICKNESS μm 1135 ASTM D1777MOD


RESEARCH

FABRIC-FORMED RIGID MOLD FOR THIN-SHELL VAULTS Full-Scale Prototype, C.A.S.T. Lab, Winnipeg - 2009

[1-2] The 5-meter prototype vault moldconstructed at CAST was produced in the rigshown above. This rig provides a straight centralspine and catenary-curved longitudinal edges. A single flat sheet of fuzzy-backed formwork fa-bric (Fabrene W756) is placed over this rig, andselectively pre-tensioned. A thin, uniform layer ofGFRC will be placed on this fuzzy-backed fabricto make a rigid mold for producing thin-shellvaults. Note that the pre-tensioning device usedis simply twisted ropes. [3] This photo shows the double curvature produced by pre-tensioning along the centre-lineof the fabric sheet. The cut in the fabric controlswhere the induced curvature along the center-line begins[4] End of the formwork rig prior to loading withpoints of pre-tensioning shown: A start-conditionforce of ~40 kg is delivered to the centre of thesheet, and a mild ~12 kg at the edges. Edge forcesare increased to remove folds as the fabric is loa-ded with concrete. Load cells are used to keeptrack of the prestress force applied.

[5] Glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) is placed on top of the fabric, causing this formwork membrane to deflect under the uniform applied load.[6-7] The first thin layer of GFRC is placed overthe entire fabric sheet. We did this by hand,though industrial methods include spray applications that are faster and more uniform. Then, a series of stiffening ribs, and a continuousglass fiber mesh, are added to strengthen themold and give it sufficient rigidity to be lifted,flipped over, or transported.[8-9] The views from beneath the formwork rigshow the preliminary shape of the fabric sheet be-fore it is loaded (Left), and after it has taken thefull weight of the wet GFRC (Right). The weight ofthe concrete gives the fabric sheet its final struc-tural geometry. The resulting rigid fabric + GFRCconstruction will be lifted and turned over, provi-ding a smooth polyethylene-coated mold. [10] Turning the mold over[11] The photo shows the fabric-formed GFRCmold completed, prior to turning it over for use.

This mold weighs less than 500 kg (1000 lb).[12] Finished fabric-formed GRFC mold turnedover, showing the coated polyethylene releasesurface. The next step is to make a 3-D laser scan of the mold geometry as required for thestructural analysis/design. After structural design is completed, a prototype thin-shell vault will be constructed with this mold.

By generating new forms directly through playwith physical matter, the solutions to full-scaleconstruction are contained in the forms and methods themselves. In this way the designer is placed in the very centre of construction knowledge. This method empowers a designer to bring new architectural ideas into constructedreality.

� Prof. Mark West, Director C.A.S.T.Centre for Architectural Structures andTechnology University of Manitoba Faculty ofArchitecture

� [email protected]� www.umanitoba.ca/cast_building/

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GORE TENARA

Wimbledon’s High-tech HeavenGORE™ TENARA® Architectural Fabric

Covers Wimbledon’s Centre Court

2009 sees the start of a new era atWimbledon, where the traditionaltennis matches play to a worldwideaudience. For the first time, a hugeroof will roll out over the CentreCourt when rain threatens tointerrupt the legendary tennistournament. W.L. Gore & Asso -ciates have significantly contributedto the technological achievementof British firm of architectsPopulous and British constructioncompany Galliford Try by providingthe 5200m² of roofing fabric,whose properties are ideally suitedto Wimbledon’s new high-techheaven. English summer rain hasbeen a faithful companion of theoldest international tennis cham -pionship from the start. Finals havebeen interrupted or delayed, andthe 14-day competition has some -times had to be prolonged becausethe weather didn't want to playball. The British tennis world took itphilosophically. But for the manyworld visitors and the TV channelsbroadcasting the matches in over130 countries, the interruptionsmeant headaches for everyone. Sothe All England Lawn Tennis &Croquet Club decided at the turn ofthe millennium to incorporate an

extremely sophisticated, high-techroof into the historic Centre Court(which dates from 1922). The retractable roof is made ofGORE™ TENARA® ArchitecturalFabric. Unveiled at a Centre CourtCelebration, the concertina-designroof contains approximately 5200 m² of the fabric. The fabricwas selected in part for its un -paralleled ability to let light passthrough while offering reliableprotection from the elements. Playat Centre Court still feels like it’soutdoors, even when the roof isclosed. This is important both tomaintain the traditional experiencefor players and spectators, and toenable cameras to capture highquality images for broadcast. Theroof comprises two styles of thefabric, the major part allowing 40%light transmission and someallowing 20%. The two styles areprecisely placed to preventshadows or bright spots on thecourt. The ability of the fabric toflex and fold without wear wasanother critical factor in itsselection. The design of the roof,and the ability of the fabric to foldinto a relatively compact space forstorage, contributed to the addition

of 1200 spectator seats to thestadium. For most of the year, theopen roof will be folded into itshousing for storage. The uniquecharacteristics ensure that it won’tcrack, crease or develop mold andmildew while stored. The flexibilityof the fabric has also enabled theroof to be closed in only tenminutes, eliminating lengthy raindelays of the tournament. The roof will be closed forinclement weather, and an air flowsystem will ensure a comfortableenvironment within the stadium.The retractable roof is built in twosections, one with four bays and theother with five. The fabric wasjoined using high frequencywelding, and is supported by tensteel trusses. Wheels move alongtracks to open and close the roof,

aided by a series of hydraulic jacksand arms. The roof spansapproximately 77m across thecourt, and has a clearance of over16m to accommodate high balls. GORE™ TENARA® ArchitecturalFabric is a fluoropolymer-coatedfabric woven from ePTFE (expandedpolytetrafluo roethy lene). It usesunique, patented double-coatedtechnology to provide high lighttransmission along with theflexibility and drape of fabric. The high-strength ePTFE isunaffected by damaging UV rays,acid rain and other environmentalchallenges, providing durability thatcarries a 15 year warranty. � Carole Boisdron� [email protected]� www.tenarafabric.com/ wimbledon.html

Name of the project: Retractable roof Wimbledon’s Centre CourtLocation address: Wimbledon, UKFunction of building: Sport StadiumType of application of the membrane: cover tennis courtYear of construction: 2009Architects: Populous Main contractor: Galliford TrySupplier of the membrane material: W.L. Gore and AssociatesMaterial: GORE™ Tenara® 4T40, GORE™ Tenara® 4T20Covered surface: 5200m²

In the centre of Athens in PiraeusStreet (Municipality of Tavros) amulti storey shopping mall “AthensHeart” has been built. In Greecetemporary covered areas are seenas open space, and allow so ahigher usage of the land. This is thereason why many shopping malls inGreece are covered with aretractable roof.The atrium of the shopping mallAthens Heart is covered with amembrane roof. The membranepanels can be reefed parallel toopen the atrium. The goal duringthe design was, to find a light roofwith direct view to the blue sky. The solution is a northlight roof,with highly translucent membranepanels giving shadow from thesouth, and with a transparentcladding on the north side of theparallel steel girders to allow thedirect view, and the entrance of thecool northern light.The main structure consists of 13 crescent-shaped tri chord trusseswith a length between 13m and60m. These trusses span freely overa length of up to 50m, with one topchord and two bottom chords. Thetrusses are sitting on a perimeterbeam, which distributes the load tothe building columns of theconcrete structure. The front trussin the south towards Piraeus Streethas two top chords and one bottomchord. With the bottom chord it issupported vertically by the steelcanopy sitting in front of the glassfaçade. On the east side the trussesare fixed in all directions on theperimeter beam, and on the westside it has a slotted hole, allowingdeformation perpendicular to theperimeter beam. Where the concrete structure isdivided with expansion joints, alsothe perimeter beam is divided, toallow movement in case ofearthquake. The movement of theconcrete building due toearthquake can be more than 20cm

in any direction.The diagonally orientated trussesare covered on their north sidewith 2 ETFE cushions each. Thecushions are double layer, and areclamped to top and bottomchord, to close the atrium. Theinner side of the cushions isformed by the diagonals of thetrusses on which the cushion issitting directly. Between thetopchord of one truss, and thebottom chord of the neighbourtruss one layer of silicone coatedglass fibre membrane is spanned.The membrane is attached withtravellers to an aluminium rail,and can be opened and closedwith a motor driven cable pullsystem. Spindle driven breaksanchor the roof on the westernend. The membrane is attachedwith 1.2m distance to the rail. Thisleads to a reasonable size of thefolds, and keeps the attachmentforces low. To minimize the sag ofthe loose membrane, especially inthe parking position, adjustableweb belts have been introducedbetween the travellers.To allow the movement of themembrane in between thetrusses, the distance of the railshas to be kept constant over thecomplete length. Therefore thenorthern bottom chord follows asplined curve with equal distanceto the neighbour top chord. Thechosen silicone coated glass fibresare highly translucent. Togetherwith the ETFE the shopping mallhas a very convenient ambientlight, even on cloudy day, and theatrium is an area where the peoplelike to stay.

�Bernd Stimpfle�[email protected]�www.form-TL.de

1.View to the north - 2. View to the south3. Longitudinal section - 4.Detail section5.Open membrane panel - 6. Rail andmembrane attachment


FORM-TL

Athens Heart Shopping Mall

Athens, Greece

Name of the project: "Athens Heart" Shopping MallLocation: Athens, GreeceClient: Pasal Development S.A.Project Management: Ioannis LilikakisArchitecture: Conran and Partners / DiarchonStructural design, concrete structure: Stefanos DiamantarasStructural design, Membrane, Foil and steel including supervision of those works: formTLSteelcontractor: Kataskevastiki Elefsinas / Dimitriou SAMembrane Vector Foiltec together with and Foilcontractor: Claus Markisen, Textilbau,

Tritthart Ingenieure and Montageservise SL.

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PRESS RELEASE

Multifunctional inner and outer membranesPromising results have been reached in opticalproperties for reflection of heat radiation. Thesurfaces have been modified by deposition ofmetals/metal oxides with PVD and CVD (PhysicalVapour Deposition and Chemical VapourDeposition). Surface treatment by fluorination,siliconisation and sol-gel formulations onmembrane coatings have been developed tocreate easycleaning or even self-cleaning surfaceswhich would guarantee a life-span with anattractive optical impression of up to 60 years (Fig.1). The bulk and surface properties of membranematerials for sound control, thermal insulationand moisture control could be enhanced byintegrating aerogels. It is further applicable tointelligently combine different material types, inparticular 2D/3D non-wovens or foamedmaterials for active thermal properties. Superabsorbing materials are also integrated in themembrane composition to solve the condensationproblem. The use of modified functionalised nano-particles and intumescent systems have provenvery encouraging to dramatically improve the fireretardancy, but only if translucency is not required.Integration of thin solar cells and joiningtechniques like HF-welding and gluing into thenew membrane materials were successfullyoptimised. In support of designing and combiningmany different features, artificial aging and largescale tests have been made and further tests ofthe functional properties are currently beingstudied.

Use of novel textile based components for textile architectureA new composite combining a mineral matrix(phosphatic binder: Vubonite®) and Eglass fibrestextile reinforcements has been developed. Twomanufacturing processes are considered forindustrial production: pultrusion and compres -sion. The composite plates are bonded togetherand allow for the realization of differentgeometries of beam. The modification of flexuralbehaviour and particularly shear resistance areobtained by braiding technology. Theoptimization of the confinement depends on thedifferent parameters (braiding angle, nature offibres, volumic percentage, etc...) and theimpregnation of external reinforcement byVubonite® maintains the adhesion with theinitial support. As new cables using high modulusand high tenacity fibres and specific anchoragehave been developed for textile architecture,they can be valorised for pre-stressing theconfined hollow beams. The mechanical

performance of sub-structural elements (beamand column) has been confirmed throughexperimental tests. Meanwhile, it is veryimportant to note that failure is shown at a largedeformation level due to specific crackingmechanism. The main interest of this newcomposite corresponds to a high level of firesafety associated to an innovative and effectiveconstruction process.

Modelling building physics and fire safetyTo obtain good acoustical comfort in membranebased buildings, calculation models are writtenfor single- and double layered membranesystems, incorporating impervious membranes,permeable membranes and microperforatedmembranes. Permeable and especially micro-perforated membranes can be easily designedand tuned to have high sound absorbing proper -ties in certain frequency regions. However, extralayers of poro-elastic (higher damping) or rigidelastic (higher mass) materials are necessary forgood sound insulating systems. The evaluationof the thermal comfort in spaces covered withtranslucent membranes requires an accuratemodelling of the radiant and convective heattransfer at the surfaces. A coupling strategycovering a building energy simulation program(EnergyPlus) and a CFD program (Fluent) hasbeen studied and codes have been written toimport the geometry from CAD tools and togenerate input files for all programs. EC firesafety regulations and performance-based fire

TEXTILE BUILDINGS InnovatIon for the future The EU funded research project contex-T has been continuing to develop lightweight, fire-safe, eco-friendly textile materials for buildings since its initiation in September 2006. This multi-disciplinary consortium is made up of 29 selected companies, institutes and universities from 10 EU countries. With the Project entering the final phase of its 4 year programme many objectives of this wide-ranging research project on textile architecture have been successfully achieved.

Without top coat

Figure 1. Easycleaning surface - Reference: Sioen, Belgium

With new top coat

LITE

RATU

RE Philippe SamynConstructions Architect and Engineer

Pierre Puttemans and Pierre Spehl

The book presents a vast panorama of theprolific and imaginative work of Philippe Samynand Partners, placing it in context among thearchitectural movements of the last forty years.Their great achievement is the balance they havestruck between architecture and engineering in aremarkable synthesis of spatial and structural

concepts and the physical laws of construction.In the history of contemporary architecture, thisposition relates to that of rare innovators likeVictor Horta, Frank Lloyd Wright, Auguste Perretor Jean Prouvé. It also links to the premises ofthe Modern Movement concerning the necessityof symbiosis between form, function andtechnique. Notable in this respect has been theircontinuous research into sustainabledevelopment with a strong emphasis onintegration into the urban or rural environment.Though sometimes spectacular, their work never

safety engineering methods are taken intoconsideration to ensure the overall fire safety ofthe textile building. A LES (Large EddySimulation) type CFD code and a sub-model forhole opening in membranes have beenvalidated against small-scale tests. Furthervalidation of the modelling is planned by full-scale testing. Presimulations of the large-scalevalidation experiments have been conducted.

Testing and modelling structuralbehaviour and architectural aspectsof tensile structuresThere are four innovative elements in the newdesign for fiber cable terminations, which werevalidated through extensive fatigue and creeptesting:●The fibers are inserted on a male “conical”element, which is compressed and heatedagainst a female casing causing radial pressureall around the cable, as it is tensioned. Thespecial geometry of the “conical” and casingelements ensure uniform shearing along theentire cable length.● Under compression, bonding of the fibers by anautogenous binding is succeeded by controlledmelting of a small fraction of their periphery.●The cable termination design has the ability ofaccommodating microsliding and flexing withina PET-arnite suitable busing, located at thetermination entrance.●The synergy in stiffness between the casing,the matrix produced by epitaxial crystallizationof the melted fraction of the initial fibers,

together with the fibers and the final conicalelement, result in an essentially improvedfatigue strength and creep resistance.

Set-up of demonstrationSix different demonstrators have beendeveloped to present some technologies and/ormaterials newly developed (Fig. 2):● Demonstrator 1 – a foldable structure forkinetic architecture, which is characterized byvariable location, mobility, geometry ormovement. It is to create spaces and objectsthat can physically reconfigure themselves tomeet changing needs. The kinetic behaviour wasinvestigated through construction of a ¼ scaledmodel made by plywood.● Demonstrator 2 – it consists of a one story,one bay three-dimensional frame whoseelements are made by Vubonite® reinforced byglass fibre fabrics. It is to investigate thepossibility using this new material to buildsupporting structures with good fire resistanceproperties. The demonstrator was tested withsatisfactory results.● Demonstrators 3 & 4 – both demonstratorsconsist in thermo-boxes to evaluate membranethermal properties but differ in their dimensions.It is possible to perform a quick preliminaryassessment of the newly developed membranematerials through the small thermo-boxes andsuccessively testing the selected materialsthrough the large thermo-boxes. The materialswill be mounted on the Demonstrators 5 and 6.● Demonstrators 5 & 6 – they are sufficiently

large structures specifically thought todemonstrate membranes, cables, and belts. The supporting steel structure of one of thedemonstrator has been realized while the otherdemonstrator is still in the design stage.

Knowledge management in Smart Innovation NetworksThe effective management of knowledge –which is constantly acquired, developed andexchanged throughout the project – has beenestablished in order to enable the deliberatesharing of knowledge as a valuable butintangible resource. To achieve this, severalmethods and technologies for knowledgemanagement have been carefully selected andimplemented. From the beginning of the project, availableknowledge has been analyzed and knowledgerequirements of the different partners have beenidentified to derive a domain-specific knowledgestructure. Together with models of knowledgeand information flows between partners, thisstructure has been input for the design of acollaboration platform which enables partnersto share their knowledge effectively. This platform allows, e.g. the exchange ofdocuments and contact data, the presentationof new ideas and developments to, as well as theordering of materials from other partners, or thecoordination of the various tasks of theinnovation activities. In order to facilitateknowledge exchange and the coordination ofinnovation activities, smaller sub-groups(contex-T Innovation Networks) have beenestablished focusing on the development ofspecific product features. The creation of thesenetworks not only provides an efficientknowledge flow within the networks, but alsosupports an easy exchange of experiences acrossnetworks. Additionally, services regarding LifeCycle Assessment and Intellectual PropertyRights are provided to support the networks.

� Monique Thienpont� [email protected]� www.contex-t.eu


Figure 2. Demonstration

Fabric Architecture: Creative Resources for Shade, Signage and Shelter

Samuel J. Armijos(www.fabricarchitect.com)

Fabric Architecture is a resource cataloguedevoted to celebrating membrane structures.With over 300 examples of awnings, tents,umbrellas, and tensioned membrane structuresfrom around the world, it is the reference bookfor ideas and inspiration. As an added feature,

there are six fabric samples included in the book:PTFE from Saint Gobain, Coated PVC and PVCmesh from Ferrari, HDPE from Multiknit, Siliconecoated fiberglass from Atex and Gore’s Tenara.The book can be used as a reference guide,course book, a selling tool or as a gift for youremployees, clients, family and friends.

■ English■ 28.4 x 25.7x2.5cm, 476colour photos, 304 pages ■

W. W. Norton & Co.; 1 edition ■

■ ■

www.wwnorton.com ■

indulges in gratuitous exhibitionism, courtingfashion and notoriety. Rather it cultivates its own sense of harmony through the cor rec tness of its proportions and the logic of its design.

■ English, French, Dutch ■

28 x 25 cm, 1350 illustrations, 480 pages■ Fonds mer-

cator ■

■ www.fondsmer cator.be ■


LASTRA&ZORILLA, ARQUITECTURA TEXTIL

A R E N A S & A S O C I A D O S

Thirst pavilionZaragoza 2008, Spain

International Expo “water and sustainable development”

IdeaThe International Expo “Water andSustainable Development” thattook place in Saragossa during thesummer of 2008 in the Ebro’sbanks required the creation ofbuildings for housing the exhibitioncontents. One of these buildingswas the Thirst Pavilion, located inthe Expo area named ThematicPlazas, which mission was totransmit the need of water for thehumankind and the consequencessuffered by the environment forsatisfying that need. For reach suchobjective, architect Enric Ruiz-Geli,conceived the building as anenclosed building, a sphericalsegment of 46m diameter in plan,having a height of 16m, remem -bering a big morula, beingexternally composed its skin by amacro “porosity” reticule ofreinforced fiberglass polyestershells, being those “pores” filled bymeans of EFTE cushions.

Construction of the pavilionIn base to the Basic Project, Expopublished the competition for theconstruction of the Pavilion, whichwas adjudicated to the ContractorFerrovial, but they haven’t got theproperly knowledge to afford theconstruction of the polyester shelland EFTE cushions, so theysubcontracted Comercial Marítimafor such building jobs. Due to thedegree of development of theproject, detailing engineeringassistance was needed for thepolyester shells and ETFE cushionsand for building the Pavilion, whichwas made by Arenas&Asociados.The polyester shells could bemanufactured thanks to the sailingcontacts between José María Lastra(Comercial Marítima) and FranciscoAbeledo (Hércules Marine), whocould manage to get all the shellson time. It must be said thatanother Polyester manufacturerhad abandoned the project a few

months before the Expo Openingand the Pavilion was in a seriousdanger of not being built.

EFTE cushionsEFTE cushions appeared in theproject as an idea, but they weren’tdefined, so they required a detailingengineering job, made byArenas&Asociados, whosubsequently submitted toComercial Marítima the dataneeded for patterning andmanufacturing. The Pavilion had 82two layered ETFE cushions, havingdifferent dimensions all of them. Itcould be said that they had“circular” section, varying theirdiameter between 2.8m and 9.8m,but maintaining always a ratesag/diameter of 0.15 for each of thetwo layers of the cushion. The sizeof the cushions decreased frombottom of the building to tophelicoidally. As previously was said,the cushions were composed by

two layers, having both a thicknessof 200μm, being the externaltransparent and the silvered innerone. Due to the silvered coating, thesun rays were reflected, providing tothe Pavilion an interestingappearance of a set of water drops.Inside the cushions, led diodes wereinstalled for night illumination, blueand white were the colors selected.

Three sets of seven diodes, two blueand one white were introduced ineach cushion. At night, a global blueradiosity in the Pavilion wasachieved thanks to the silveredlayer because it reflected the led’slights. Furthermore, the initial ideawas covering the Pavilion with a saltcrust of 5cm of thickness, and forthat reason the cushions wereprovided with brine watervaporizers, but at last, during theExpo, the salt didn’t grip properly inthe external ETFE layer and thewater vaporization was forgotten.For gripping the salt on the externalETFE surface was needed theapplication of a latex gel, but thissolution lost the transparency ofthe ETFE, making it translucent, andhindering the light reflection in thesilvered layer. The cushions wereinflated with an internal pressure of30kp/m2 (3mbar) which allowedthem resisting all the externalactions, wind and snow accordingto the local codes, withoutslackening or having stresses higherthan 21N/mm2 in any of the cushion


layers. To control the stresses, thestrain is controlled, avoiding thehigh plastic behavior of the ETFE.

Glass reinforced polyester shellsThe Pavilion skin, with the ETFEcushions, was completed withwhite reinforced glass polyestershells, contrasting the whiteness ofthe shells with the brightness of thecushions. Each shell was a segment of thespherical envelope of the Pavilion,covering the holes that thecushions didn’t fill, limiting withthree cushions and having threeaxes forming 120º between them.Manufactured by Hercules Marine,each shell had a global thickness of48mm, with an upper layer of5mm, a lower of 3mm and amiddle one of 40mm. The externallayers were composites, fiberglassreinforced polyester, with 40% ofbiaxial fibers of 600g/m2. The innerlayer was composed bypolyurethane foam, lightening theshell. The thicker upper layer wasfor resisting external loads actingdirectly over the surface. Theseshells had a great importance;because they bear the reactionstransferred by the ETFE cushionsand transmitted those reactionsand the loads acting over them tothe supporting steel frame bymeans of three EPDM bearingslocated in the shell vertices.Concerning the force transmissionbetween cushions and shells,Arenas&Asociados studied thatphenomena, designing thepolyester edge, a rigid composite offiberglass reinforced polyester of13mm of thickness and 60mmlength. In this edge, the aluminiumcushion frame was bolted to thepolyester. At last, this rigid unionwasn’t enough adequate, becauseits stiffness wasn’t able to affordthe big geometrical imperfectionsregistered in the construction ofsteel frame, which had collapsedduring its erection for a badlyproposed stage construction, dueto a bad engineering study by thesteel contractor, who didn’tunderstand that a shell structureworks properly when it is finished,it must be said, when forces followform, but in the stagedconstruction, provisional bearingsare needed and they were almostneglected.

This error damaged some elementsthat even weren’t replaced, onlythe bolts, and delayed the time forfinishing the building works, but atlast it was possible to finish in time.Added to the geometricalimperfections we have to take intoaccount the thermal effects, butthey were considered dividing thealuminium and steel frame insegments. Those geometricalproblems caused the failure ofsome ETFE cushions, because itsgeometry couldn’t fit the holewhere they must be installed.Finally, thanks to the efforts of JoséMaría Lastra, and his interest inachieving a perfect result, he re-patterned the cushions withgeometrical problems until they fitcorrectly. As conclusion, flexibleconnections based in neoprene arebetter than rigid unions.

Real scale ModelDue to the complexity of theproject, the Property and theArchitect, asked for a real scalemodel, which was made byComercial Marítima, HérculesMarine, and the engineeringsupport of Arenas&Asociados. In Hércules Marine’s workshop areal scale model of one cushion wasmade. The model included the steelframe support, the polyester shellsand the ETFE cushion with itsaluminium frame, led illuminationand brine water vaporizer. It wasinflated to the service pressure,30kp/m2 (3mbar), being the modelsuccessful, and permitting toobtain conclusions such decidingnot applying the latex gel for saltgripping for achieving a bettertransparency in the external ETFElayer, or painting in white thealuminium cushion frame.

ConclusionDespite of the success achieved bythe Pavilion architecture, it wasdecided by the Expo Authoritiesthat it would have to be dis mant -led, what was already done; but it isgoing to be rebuilt in Valladolid byits council, who bought it.

� José María Lastra� [email protected]� www.arquitextil.net� Guillermo Capellán Miguel� [email protected]� Santiago Guerra Soto� [email protected]� www.arenasing.com

20

Name of the Project: Thirst PavilionLocation address: ExpoZaragoza fairground, Saragossa, SpainClient: ExpoZaragoza2008Function of building: Thematic exhibitionType of application of the membrane: Structural FaçadeYear of construction: 2008Architects: Enric Ruiz-Geli (Cloud-9). Basic ProjectETFE, polyester and Santiago Guerra Soto & Guillermo pneumatic engineering: Capellán Miguel (Arenas&Asociados)Main Contractor: FerrovialETFE Membrane Contractor: Comercial MarítimaPolyester Contractor: Hercules Marine.Manufacture and installation steel structure: CometalManufacture and installation Polyester Structure: Francisco Abeledo

(Hercules Marine)Manufacture and installation ETFE Cushions: José María Lastra

(Comercial Marítima)Material supporting frame: structural SteelMaterial shell covering: reinforced glass polyester shellsMaterial cushions: ETFEMaterial frame cushions: aluminiumCovered surface: 1662m2


SOBRESALIENTE

Buquebus Bus & Cars parking

Port of Montevideo, UruguaAt the transit area

in the port of Montevideoa covered parking for

bus and cars was asked for those travelling

with the ferry connectingMontevideo and

Buenos Aires. The objective of the

parking roof is to providerain and sun protection.

This inflatable cloud,commissioned form FRANTZEN etal architects, was developed,manufactured and installed byBuitink-technology. CityLed fromVenray has illuminated the cloudfrom inside with LED lightingcontrolled by computer.

The inflatable cloud is built upfrom about 140 different cuttingpatterns, generated by Tentech BVin EASY VOL and Rhino. Thetranslucent fire resistant fabricprovided with transparent, roundopenings. The cloud hangs instainless steel cables. The cloud

was installed in un-inflatedsituation which means hung in thecables and than inflated. The cloudis kept under pressure by a small220V air system that measures thepressure and fills with air when thepressure is below a certain point.The inside pressure varies between20 and 30mbar.

� Rienk de Vries� info@buitink-

technology.com� www.buitink-technology.com�

© Lard Buurman

BUITINK-TECHNOLOGY

The Inflatable cloudThe Netherlands

Name of the project: Light sculpture for main office TomTomLocation address: Amsterdam, The NetherlandsClient: TomTom, AmsterdamFunction of building: SculptureType of application of the membrane: 2008/2009Year of construction: 2008Architects: Frantzen et al Architecten BV/ Jo Coenen Co ArchitectenConsulting engineer for the membrane: Tentech BV, Utrecht, The NetherlandsEngineering of the controlling mechanism: Buitink TechnologyMain contractor: Frantzen et al Architecten BVContractor for the membrane: Buitink TechnologySupplier of the membrane material: HeytexManufacture and installation: Buitink TechnologyMaterial: PVC coated polyester fabricCovered surface: 30m²

The project covers the VIP tribuneof the “Monumental Stadium”,property of the Colo Colo FootballClub and located in the city of LaFlorida, state of Santiago, Chile.The purpose of the project was toreplace the existing coverage,which was of metal plates and wasin poor condition, with a cover ofgreater aesthetic quality. The newcover is part of the total renovationof the stadium. The complexity of this project hastwo special peculiarities:

● The first is the architecturaldesign, this should accommodatethe irregular configuration of theconcrete beams and pre-existingconditions and it should beconsistent with them. It should alsomake a way to evacuate rainwaterand be aesthetically compatiblewith the existing building as part ofthe facade.● The second one, the configu -ration and structural system,resting on concrete beamsstructurally independent, this

structure should be flexible enoughif an earthquake took place becausethe buildings would move indifferent directions, this is achievedthrough tri-articulated arches.The structure and the membranewere fully built in Lima (Peru) andthe structure was designed to becompletely disassembled. It wasmoved to Chile to be assembledonly using bolts for assembly workand some drilling and welding tothe existing beams. The result ofthe project was a success in itself

and meets customer requirements.It was the first project that Cidelsadid for the most important footballclub of Chile. This project served asa letter of introduction from thecompany for the following 3 stadiums that were developedand build in 2008: The MunicipalStadium German Becker at Temucowith a covered surface of23000m², the Bicentenary Stadiumof La Florida at Santiago with acovered surface of 8300m² and theMunicipal Stadium Nelson OyarzúnArenas at Chillán with a coveredsurface of 8300m². New designsfor more stadiums are planned.

� Fabiola Alanya Boluarte� [email protected]� www.cidelsa.com


The designers developed a simple,self-supporting structure withindependent membranes. The areais covered without internalsupports to optimize the parkingfacilities and all the rainwater isdirected to the edge perimeter. Themembrane is stretched over 5archs, prestressed and stabilized by4 cables. The structure is composedof 5 metal arches with a span of34.47m, separated each 9m.Longitudinal stability is given with3 lines of beams (one central andtwo intermediate) and a perimeter3 dimensional beam which is alsosuitable for anchoring theintermediate cable turnbuckles.The structure was produced in themetal workshop, for parts, thenassembled on site and the finalassembly and welding wasperformed in place with the help

cranes. The arches are made ofround pipes 8", 4” and 2"1/2 andthe anchorage plates in 1"1/2. Themembrane was producedsimultaneously in the workshop,and once the structure wasfinished, the membrane wasinstalled in 8 days. The membranesare made of polyester fabric PESHT 1100dtex, 6x6 threads per cmwith PVC coating, UV protectionon the outside, a weight of900g/m² and a breaking load limitof 38daN/cm.

The prestressing was performed bytying the ropes: intermediatecables through the central modulesand edge cables in the extremesmodules. Of all the possibleoptions the prestressed PVCmembrane is the better one fromthe point of view of shape andaesthetics, as well as translucencyof sunlight, without of ultravioletor infrared radiation.

� Roberto Santomauro� [email protected]

Name of the project: Buquebus Bus & Cars parkingLocation address: Montevideo, Urugua Year of construction: 2008Architects (design and project): Roberto Santomauro / Patricia PintoStructural engineers: Marella & PedojaGeneral project: Julio Cesar OrtegaRoof fabricator and contractor: Sobresaliente ltda.Material: PVC coated polyester PES HT 1100dtexRoofed area: 1925m²

Name of the project: Monumental Stadium of Colo ColoLocation address: Santiago, ChileClient (investor): EBCOFunction of building: Football StadiumType of application of the membrane: Cover VIP GalleryYear of construction: 2008Architects: Guillermo CarellaStructural engineers: EBCOConsulting engineer for the membrane: Aldo RodríguezEngineering of the controlling mechanism: CidelsaMain contractor: Municipality of SantiagoContractor for the membrane: CidelsaSupplier of the membrane material: Ferrari Manufacture and installation: CidelsaMaterial: Precontraint 902 SCovered surface: 2500m²

New cover VIP Tribune

C I D E L S AMonumental Stadium of Colo Colo, Chile

CATEGORY 1: MACRO ARCHITECTURE

1ST PRIZE: Once Upon A Time – Rocio Pina Isla2ND PRIZE: Temple of Nature – Varun Amar

Kaushik & Bhairabi Kachari3RD PRIZE: Deforming realities – Mina YaneySPECIAL MENTION: Laboratorium Blum –

Lago Gonzalez Quelle & Erez AmitayCATEGORY 2: MICRO ARCHITECTURE

1ST PRIZE: Transportable Children’s Play -ground Structure – Barbara RodriguezPando & Carmen Matienzo Tunon

CATEGORY 3: ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1ST PRIZE: Algae Solar Dryer – PamelaCancino

2ND PRIZE: Give me shelter – Eva Spielberger& Elisabeth Weiler

CATEGORY 4: COMPOSITES

AND HYBRID STRUCTURES

1ST PRIZE: Mobile LED-Matrix – Manfred WuitsSPECIAL MENTION: Fifana – Gerlind BaloghyHONORABLE MENTION: Plus-minus Exhibition

stand – Nora Haase-Aschoff, MathiasHackmann, Sebastian Kron, Philipp Kuner,Julian Lutz, Philip Hinrichsmeier & FabianPfeiffer

INTERNATIONAL "TEXTILE STRUCTURE FOR NEW BUILDING” COMPETITION FOR STUDENTS AT TECHTEXTIL 2009

The International "Textile Struc ture for New Building” Com petition for Students was held for the 10th time in2009. As at previous competitions, the review of this year’s competition is cause for great satisfaction. Thelarge number of entries from many countries and the high standard of the works submitted confirm that thecompetition’s approach is correctand should be pursued withoutcompromise. Held for the first timein 1993, the competition aims topromote textile building byawakening the interest andenthusiasm of students for amethod of construction that ischaracterised by a great potentialfor innovation and numerous opportunities for enriching architecture as a whole. It is the students of todaywho will work with textiles and design the textile buildings of the future. As tomorrow’s architects they will havea great influence on the appearance of our urban landscape. Therefore, it is important to promote their workand to give them the opportunity to work with new materials. The works submitted are impressive evidenceof the chances offered by textile constructions. As in previous years, the jury awarded prizes in four categories,in order to honour the diversity of the themes selected. �Prof. Dr.-Ing. Werner Sobek Organizers: Techtextil and TensiNet Association -

The TensiNet Association sponsors this International Competition.

MEHLER TEXNOLOGIES TENSILE ARCHITECTURE DESIGN SOFTWARE Following the 1st technical guideline for tensile structure, an extensive andpractice-based general information on tensile architecture booklet, MehlerTexnologies is increasing its efforts in promoting and sharing technicalknowledge on this amazing architectural art. In order to facilitate the firstapproach to the tensile architecture world, Mehler Texnologies is pleasedto present this unique and easy to use software for design of tensilestructures, Mehler TensileDraw. The software is an AutoCAD and RHINO fully compatible and integratedplug-in software package, a really useful tool in 3D model design: it candesign complicated tensile surfaces and simulate well balanced forcestress distribution without complicating handling, file exportation andrelated compatibility problems (Figure 1 - Mesh Balance).The application can calculate the form of complex geometry fabricstructures thanks to the generation of a warp and weft beam meshreproducing orthotropic behaviour of the fabric material (Figure 2 - 1Cone Mesh).The software has been engineered by Me+c s.r.l on well proven, fullyfunctional software, but simplified in a way that enables anyone currentlyusing those most common in drafting programs capable of generatingtensile structures. A step-by-step guide accompanies the user in the designprocess with interactive and intuitive explanation of the commands andfunctions. Additionally, the software is able to reproduce differentboundary characteristics, is able to permit modification of the designedshape to interact with the master design surround, and deliver preliminaryinformation like membrane surface area, length of the perimeter boundaryand level of pre-stress on the membrane surface. This enables architectsand designers to quantify, much better than complicated sketching, theinitial design impact andevaluate therefore thepreliminary relatedcosts (Figure3-4Cone). Mehler TensileDraw isthe free version ofTensile Draw, a morecomplex software ableto deliver (in addition

to the free version) preliminary attachments loads, geodesical linesorientation and water pounding areas on the designed surface. The fullversion is available on developer webpage.Both versions deliver a print-out of the design results including preliminaryinformation on surfaces, loads and proposed material strength (previousapplication of living loads) (Figure4 - 4Cone report). With the release of this software, Mehler Texnologies intent is to supportand increase valid help to all those professionals and non-professionalsinterested in creating tensile structures, avoiding initial difficulties indesigning and increasing the general interest toward this amazing andenvironmentally friendly form of architecture. TensileDraw has been developed with experienced partners and theInstitute for Membrane and Shell Technologies, Associated Institute of theAnhalt University of Applied Sciences, Germany, for didactics scopes withthe intention of generating a valid and immediate support to architects,planners and students. Moreover, Mehler Texnologies will contribute tointeractive support with the first coated fabrics forum, to be joined atwww.mehler-texnologies.comIn conjunction with our long-term experience, closer cooperation withspecialized partners and the high quality REACH conforms productsoffered to our customers, Mehler Texnologies is offering once again provenand reliable support to the market.

� The software as well as thetechnical guideline can bedownloaded free of charge onMehler Texnologies‘ website:www.mehler-texnologies.com

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