Tension ​Structure Types

BDiR could design different types of Tensile Structures for our clients needs.

1. Conic or Pavillion Type Tension Structure

Highly effective for covering large areas, a conical tension structure is easily identified by its tent-like shape. Conical designs can feature either single or multiple masts. For both design options, membranes are tensioned between a ring at the pinnacle and the lower perimeter support columns. Cones are especially effective in areas that need to comply with high rain or snow load regulations.

2. Hypar or Anticlastic Type Tension Structure

As one of the most common of all tensioned membrane structures due to its aesthetically pleasing look, hypar (hyperbolic paraboloid) shapes are notable for their excellence with shape retention and water runoff. These structures rely on two opposing curvatures, also known as anticlastic, for their stability. This type of structure is ideal for shade over seating areas or high traffic walkways.

3. Arch Type Tension Structure

The Arch is a beautiful, inspiring structure which, at its largest, can provide 400m2 of covered space. Its square uninterrupted footprint has made it popular as a performance space or for dining and outdoor classroom areas. Several arches can be linked together if the coverage required is rectangular rather than square.

These symmetrical curved parallel arch designs form an incredibly functional tensioned membrane canopy that can span long distances such as a sports arena or smaller areas such as an entryway. Depending on the spans, a barrel vault system can be a very cost-effective way to incorporate tensile membrane on a project due to the repetitive nature of the design and efficiencies of materials.

4. Wave Type  Tension Structure

For long-span tensile membrane roofing applications typically found in stadiums or large spaces, 3D cable net or cable grid structures are an efficient solution for lightweight tensile architecture.

5. Barrel Vault Type Tension Structure

The Barrel Vault design is a symmetrical curved tensile fabric canopy which is linear in plan. It offers a simple design with a large clear span and a choice of widths and lengths as required. As you can see from the details in the table below, we can use any of a number of architectural fabrics to create a Barrel Vault canopy including ETFE to suit your requirements. All of which will have a design life of 20+ years.

6. Saddle Shaped Tension Structure

7. Dome Type Tension Structure

8. Sail Type Tension Structure

The Sail Shade is an attractive and fashionable canopy shape which is technically known as a hypar. Hypar (short for hyperbolic paraboloid) is one of the classic tensile fabric forms with the fabric attached at two high points and two low points to create a three dimensional flying shape.

This canopy shape can be very stable and durable but needs to be under high tensile loads in order to avoid the fabric flapping, fabric damage or rain water ponding. All of these issues can cause a canopy of this shape to fail under UK weather conditions. You can see from the drawing below that the Aura Tensile Sail Shade has four tripod legs to ground which allow us to achieve the tensile loads required for maximum stability and durability of the structure.

9. Flying Mast Type Tension Structure

10. Flaty Type Tension Structure