Non-linear stress strain model for coated fabrics

Abstract

Coated fabrics are used in a variety of types and strengths for prestressed membrane structures. To account properly for their behaviour more accurate numerical models than those in common use have to be developed. A program was written to calculate the stresses in a uniform stress, triangular element based on the model using Dynamic Relaxation Method. This model is applied to experimental results developed from a sample of coated fabrics and comparisons are made between experimental results and model predictions. The model is numerically simple and well suited to implementation in numerical schemes necessary for non-linear analysis of complete structures