Different Types of Fabrics Used in Tensile Structures
                     Different Types of 
Fabrics Used in Tensile 
Fabric Structures
What is a Tensile 
Structure?
A construction known as a tensile structure is made up of parts that solely transmit 
tension and not compression or bending forces. The tension of a membrane 
system, often with wire or cable, is what distinguishes tensile fabric systems from 
other types of fabric structures.
Tensile structure manufacturer build these in a variety of shapes, however, they 
often adhere to one of the two fundamental architectural plans: the saddle or the 
cone. Because of the way the fabric is tensioned, the membrane does not have any 
wrinkles or folds, and it is robust enough to withstand any kind of severe weather 
or potential damage.
Depictions of how tensile fabric  
structures look.
Types of Fabrics in Tensile 
Structures
There are many different types of fabrics used in the construction of tensile 
structures. Know what are these and its application.
1. Canvas: This is the oldest and most prevalent tent and shade cloth. It might be 
cotton twill, canvas, or proofed canvas. 
 
2. Polyester: Polyester fabric is frequently utilized for its strength, durability, 
affordability, and stretch. Polyesters laminated or coated with PVC films are cheap 
for long-term fabrications.
3. PVC Laminated Polyester: This is a cost-effective fabric with a lifespan ranging 
from ten to twenty years. It used in a variety of applications across the globe. The 
best thing is that it is simple to relocate for applications involving temporary 
buildings.
4. PTFE-Coated Glass: This has a lifespan of thirty years and is totally non-living 
throughout that time. It is non-combustible and does not degrade when exposed 
to ultraviolet rays. Most building regulations consider it to be non-combustible. 
These structures are best for permanent structures, such as amphitheaters due to 
their energy efficiency, high melting temperature, and absence of creep.
5. Blackout Fabric: Blackout fabric is another wonderful tensile fabric structures. 
Blackout fabric is a laminate with an opaque layer sandwiched between two white 
layers. Fabric prevents light from penetrating a building’s top or walls, allowing for 
controlled heating and illumination. The opaque quality hides stains, dirt, repairs, 
or mismatched outside panels from the inside.
6. ETFE Foils: ETFE Foils are incorporated into inflated pillow constructions. Any 
desired level of translucency can be achieved by making the foil either transparent 
or fritted, in a manner analogous to that of laminated glass goods. This is again 
wonderful option for permanent structures.
PVC and Glass Fabric: This material is utilized for internal tensile sails, such as in 
atriums and glare control systems, because it requires very little maintenance and 
can be employed in these applications.
Originally published at: 
https://articlesmaker.com/what-are-the-applications-of-tensile-fabric-structures/