Structural use of coated fabric for long span roofs an overview

Abstract

One of the more visible developments in civil engineering in- the past decade has been the utilization of coated fabrics as a major structural component for roofs of large spans. Fabric roofs can now be found throughout the world covering various types of structures such as sports stadia, ice rinks, swimming pools, leisure centres and other applications. Coated fabrics are now being used extensively in hot countries to create shades. The decision to use a fabric structure can be for one a/three reasons: image, cost or some special property of the material, such as tra"lSlucency or radio transparency. II is intended thot this paper will provide an introductory overview of the.technology of modem lightweight fabric structures by means of brief description and illustration of some technical aspects of such systems