PVC & PTFE Tensile Structures

Unlike reinforced concrete structures, textile membrane is a construction material serving as both a supporting element and a cover, besides taking form (equilibrium form) according to the pre-stressing force created by the asymmetrical tensile force, not to the pressure. The pre-stressing force to be applied is related to the form and design of the structure, and is found following the calculations to be made statically.

These materials have a vast spectrum of applications from shades to stadiums, amphitheaters to parking lots, market places and performance halls, to various parks and recreational structures, to entrance canopies and to airport structures. Some of these materials are as follows:

The cover material used in PVC Membrane structures is a special type of fabric obtained by weaving of the fibers (polyester-woven) which are the main carrying element of the membrane cover. The fibers may be covered with various chemicals to protect the membrane against external factors and/or to provide water/air impermeability. (PVC (PolyVinylChloride); An additional cover may be applied on these coatings having too little contribution to the main strength in order to give them the feature of self-cleaning and to increase their resistance against ultraviolet and other external impacts. (PVDF, TiO2 (titanium dioxide), Fluotop, TX……); This type of materials is also available in mesh types showing plastic behaviors with no fibers

Click for PVC material types and technical specifications.

In PTFE, (PolyTetraFluoroeThylenE) membranes, however, the woven glass fiber is coated with Teflon material. The self-cleaning feature and a minimum B1 fire resistance class are standard in this type which is more durable compared to PVC membranes. The PTFE mesh materials formed by the intermittent weaving of glass fiber yarns are available.

Click for PTFE material types and technical specifications.

Click for the forms achievable with membrane shell structures.