US3872634A - Rigid frame, tensioned fabric structure - Google Patents

Rigid frame, tensioned fabric structure Download PDF

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US3872634A
US3872634A US370028A US37002873A US3872634A US 3872634 A US3872634 A US 3872634A US 370028 A US370028 A US 370028A US 37002873 A US37002873 A US 37002873A US 3872634 A US3872634 A US 3872634A
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Prior art keywords
truss
truss members
fabric structure
fabric
tensioned
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US370028A
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English (en)
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Norman R Seaman
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Seaman Corp
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Seaman Corp
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Publication date
Priority to AR24928873A priority Critical patent/AR206102A1/es
Application filed by Seaman Corp filed Critical Seaman Corp
Priority to US370028A priority patent/US3872634A/en
Priority to CA175,932A priority patent/CA984571A/en
Priority to AU58091/73A priority patent/AU474172B2/en
Priority to GB3475173A priority patent/GB1407104A/en
Priority to FR7326728A priority patent/FR2194853B1/fr
Priority to ES417273A priority patent/ES417273A1/es
Priority to BE133887A priority patent/BE802818A/fr
Priority to JP48085045A priority patent/JPS5830977B2/ja
Priority to IT27270/73A priority patent/IT991463B/it
Priority to SE7310502A priority patent/SE400797B/xx
Priority to DE2338826A priority patent/DE2338826C3/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3872634A publication Critical patent/US3872634A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
    • E04H15/32—Parts, components, construction details, accessories, interior equipment, specially adapted for tents, e.g. guy-line equipment, skirts, thresholds
    • E04H15/34—Supporting means, e.g. frames
    • E04H15/36—Supporting means, e.g. frames arch-shaped type
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
    • E04H15/18—Tents having plural sectional covers, e.g. pavilions, vaulted tents, marquees, circus tents; Plural tents, e.g. modular
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
    • E04H15/32—Parts, components, construction details, accessories, interior equipment, specially adapted for tents, e.g. guy-line equipment, skirts, thresholds
    • E04H15/322—Stretching devices

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT A rigid frame structure having a plurality of curvilinear truss members of polygonal cross section which at their lower ends are connected-to a foundation and at their upper ends are connected to at least one other truss member to form a framework.
  • a fabric membrane covers the framework and is tensioned by cables extending between the truss members to form a stable rigid fabric covered structure.
  • the present invention relates generally to a curvilinear rigid frame structure having a tensioned fabric covering. More specifically, the present invention relates to a rigid frame structure in which the covering is designed most effectively to accept and distribute positive and negative loading to a plurality of truss members and also to reinforce, stabilize and stiffen the frame work.
  • buildings usually have been rigid structures of wood, metal, stone, brick or concrete and generally have satisfactorily served their purpose.
  • the large amounts of capital currently required to construct a building has prompted the development of new building concepts which are intended to alleviate the financial burden.
  • One concept for a building that is both portable and relatively inexpensive to construct is an air supported fabric structure.
  • Such structures generally utilize extremely strong synthetic fabrics and are inflated and tensioned by air pressure to withstand rain, wind and snow.
  • the internal air pressure is usually maintained by a blower system consisting of one or more continuously operating fans and automatic controls.
  • the structures are designed to provide a large span but with a low profile to minimize the effect of wind forces.
  • air supported structures have some advantages over standard rigid structures, they have several drawbacks.
  • the blower and power accessories required to maintain the air pressure are subject to breakdown and power failures.
  • the fabric cover if not properly inflated or if subjected to high winds, may flutter and even tear.
  • Another liability of the air supported structure is that the anchorage device must be designed to withstand the uplift created by the inflating air pressure as well as the uplift created by the flow of wind over the structure.
  • air supported structures are generally made of strong and durable fabrics, cuts and tears can occur which are difficult to repair and may even cause the structure to collapse.
  • Another drawback is that the accumulation of localized or concentrated snow or ice is difficult to prevent and may consequently also cause collapse of the structure.
  • Air conditioning and heating requirements tend to be difficult to satisfy because it is difficult, if not impossible, to insulate such structures so that heating and/or air conditioning of such structures becomes, therefore, quite costly. Additionally, the pendency of lights, electrical conduits, sprinkler systems, water pipes and the like from the fabric forming such a structure is not pos sible or allowable.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a stable, rigid frame, tensioned fabric structure embodying the concept of the present invention, said Figure depicting a comparatively portable, modular building having two end sections and two intermediate bays with a portion of the fabric cover being cut away;
  • FIG. 2A is a side elevation of the lower portion of a truss member used to support the fabric cover of a structure embodying the concept of the present invention and depicting the substantially curvilinear shape of the lower portion of said truss member;
  • FIG. 2B is a side elevation of the upper portion of a truss member, the lower portion of which is depicted in FIG. 2A;
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross section taken substantially on line 3-3 of FIG. 2A and appearing on the same sheet of drawings as FIG. 2A;
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross section taken substantially on line 4-4 of FIG. 28 to depict the truss member center face plate and appearing on the same sheet of drawings as FIG. 28;
  • FIG. 5 is an enlarged side elevation of a stringer truss and head member taken substantially on line 5-5 of FIG. 1 and showing the relationship of the stringer truss and the head members to form a bay;
  • FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the stringer truss and head members depicted in FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross section taken substantially on line 7-7 of FIG. 5 and appearing on the same sheet of drawings as FIG. 28;
  • FIG. 8 is an enlarged top plan taken substantially on line 8-8 of FIG. 5 and depicting the stringer truss plate connection;
  • FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross section taken substantially on line 9-9 of FIG. 1 and depicting the fabric cover tensioned over the curvilinear truss;
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic top plan disclosing a sequen tial lateral folding prior to longitudinal rolling for bundling a fabric cover to facilitate its application to a structure embodying the concept of the present invention
  • FIG. 11 is a top plan of the folded and rolled bundle
  • FIG. 12 is a perspective view ofa section of the cover removed from between successive truss members and depicting the double curved, convoluted saddle shape assumed in response to the pretensioning of the fabric;
  • FIG. 13 is an enlarged elevation of the assembly by which the anchor cable on the cover is adjustably tensioned
  • FIG. 14 is a reduced side elevation taken substantially on line 14-14 of FIG. 13 with the anchor cable removed;
  • FIG. 15 is an enlarged elevation of that portion of the rigid frame, tensioned fabric structure relating to the open area between the anchor cable and ground level and depicting one form of a curtain that may be employed to close said open area;
  • FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross section taken substantially on line 16-16 of FIG. 15;
  • FIG. 17 is a plan view depicting the anchor yoke by which that form of curtain shown in FIG. 15 may be vertically secured to a truss member;
  • FIG. 18 is an enlarged cross section taken substantially on line 18-18 of FIG. 15 and depicting the yoke anchored to a truss member;
  • FIG. 19 is an enlarged further cross section taken substantially on line 19-19 of FIG. 15 and depicting, in side elevation, a means by which the curtain shown in FIG. 15 may be secured to the ground;
  • FIG. 20 is an enlarged cross section taken substantially on line 20-20 of FIG. 19 and depicting the anchor plate in top plan;
  • FIG. 21 is a cross section taken substantially on line 21-21 of FIG. 20;
  • FIG. 22 is an enlarged elevational view of an alternate form of closure curtain which may be located inside of the curved bottom openings in the main cover between the bays;
  • FIG. 23 is an enlarged elevation of a side marginal portion of said curtain
  • FIG. 24 is an enlarged elevation of a bottom marginal portion of said curtain
  • FIG. 25 is an enlarged elevation of a bottom corner portion of said curtain
  • FIG. 26 is an enlarged sectional view through a side margin of the curtain showing how it is attached to the inner chords of adjacent trusses;
  • FIG. 27 is an enlarged sectional view showing how the bottom marginal edge of the curtain is attached to a base angle on the foundation;
  • FIG. 28 is a front elevation of one of the compression members extending between trusses to which the upper margin of the rectangular curtain is attached;
  • FIG. 29 is a partial elevation of the truss frame showing the location of the compression members, the truss structures being shown schematically;
  • FIG. 30 is a partial side elevation of one of the trusses showing a compression member attached thereto and the weatherseal filler panel extending between the compression member and the main cover;
  • FIG. 31 is an enlarged cross sectional view showing how the upper margin of the curtain is attached to the compression member and the filler panel;
  • FIG. 32 is a top plan sectional view on line 32-32 of FIG. 30 and appearing on the same sheet of drawings as FIG. 30;
  • FIG. 33 is a bottom plan sectional view taken substantially on line 33-33 of FIG. 30 and also appearing on the same sheet of drawings as FIG. 30;
  • FIG. 34 is a detached plan view of the filler panel
  • FIG. 35 is an enlarged partial sectional view taken substantially on line 35-35 of FIG. 34',
  • FIG. 36 is an enlarged partial sectional view taken substantially on line 36-36 of FIG. 34;
  • FIG. 37 is an enlarged partial sectional view taken substantially on line 37-37 of FIG. 34.
  • a rigid frame, tensioned fabric structure embodying the concepts of the present invention is designated generally by the numeral 10 in FIG. 1 and comprises a framework, generally indicated by the numeral 11, which supports a fabric cover, or membrane, indicated generally by the numeral 12.
  • a static tensile stress is applied to the fabric of membrane 12 by cables 13.
  • Framework 11 is formed from a plurality of truss members, designated generally by the numeral 20, having a curvilinear outer, or upper, chord which supportingly engages the cover 12.
  • Each truss member 20 is conventionally connected at its lower end to a foundation 19 and is connected at its upper end to a plurality of similar, or identical, truss members to form a polygonal enclosure. If a longer structure is desired, incremental bays may be added by utilizing one or more pairs of intermediate truss members between end sections comprising one half of a polygon having an equal number of sides, shown in Flg. 1.
  • the curvilinear truss members 20 are generally designed to give maximum space utilization. Therefore, as best shown in Figs.
  • the truss member 20 preferably has an upright wall portion 21 which rises substantially vertically for a given distance to provide the desired wall height along the inner periphery of the structure 10. A curved portion then extends toward the center of the structure.
  • the truss member preferably has two curved portions haunch portion 22 and roof portion 23.
  • the haunch portion 22 generally has a shorter radius of curvature than roof portion 23 so that the truss member will provide the desired interior height and span with little, or no, wasted space.
  • the upright portion 21 and curved portions 22 and 23 can be varied in a great number of ways to provide structures incorporating any number of desired shapes.
  • wall portion 21 may be quite high and the haunch may define an extended curve of relatively long radius.
  • the roof portion 23 may be of relatively large radius, but if a Roman dome is to be emulated, the roof portion 23 maybe of relatively short radius.
  • upright portion 21 may be of moderate height and roof portion 23 may have a long span.
  • the haunch portion 22 may be fairly sharply curved to achieve only moderate roof height or the haunch portion may be gently curved so that tall displays may be housed within the structure 10. It should be appreciated that portion 21 may also be curved to effect the desired interior configuration of structure 10.
  • the truss member is not limited to three portions, in order to achieve a desirable span and roof elevation the truss member 20 will generally have three portions with at least two the haunch and roof portions being curved. When so constructed the haunch portion 22 will generally have a sharper degree of curvature than roof portion 23. Because the truss members 20 are substantially curvilinear, they may be parabolic, sinusoidal, arcual or any composite curvilinear shape. In the specific embodiment shown two portions are curved and both portions are arcual. That is, portion 22 extends approximately 12 feet along a chord from point B to point C (FIGS.
  • portion 23 extends approximately 32 feet along a chord from C to D (FIG. 9) and has a radius of curvature of 49 feet (subtending a horizontal span of slightly more than 30 feet).
  • the truss member 20 has an outer, curvilinear box channel 31 comprising the upper, or outer, chord and a series of parallel, connected, straight structural components that may be fabricated from angle iron and which comprise the lower, or inner, chord sections 33a, 33b, 33c and 33d.
  • the lower chord sections follow the general outline of the curvilinear box channel 31 comprising the outer chord.
  • Truss members 20 are interconnected to form framework 11. These connections employ one or more variations of a face plate 35, as is hereinafter more fully explained.
  • the cross section of truss member 20 generally is of any conventional polygonal shape or may simply be an- I-beam. As shown in FIG. 3, truss member 20 is preferably of triangular cross section, because this shape has been found to reduce the amount of steel required and to provide much greater transverse strength than an I- beam of equal weight, and thus is not only economical but also provides sufficient lateral stability so that the truss member will not bend laterally, or twist, as it is being handled during erection of structure 10. Additionally, the triangular cross section provides sufficient resistance to torsional loads on the trusses assembled from truss members 20 that shear stresses may generally be fully balanced between consecutive trusses by means of light cross rod bracing 18 (FIG.
  • the cross rod bracing may be designed to support the fabric skin in the possible event of a complete skin failure.
  • a single horizontal rod that extends between the intersections of chords 33b and 33c i.e., the field joint on adjacent truss members is generally all that is required to resist torsional stresses to the trusses.
  • the base width of the truss member 20, as with most trusses of polygonal cross section, is calculated by conventional methods to withstand the application of normal transverse loading forces. Excessive base widths are generally not used because they unnecessarily increase the weight and the cost of the truss.
  • Sizing of the structural components for the truss members is determined in accordance with conventional engineering techniques as known to one skilled in the art. Briefly, after the height of wall portion 21 and the lengths and radii of curvatures for the haunch portion 22 and roof portion 23 have been selected in a manner as described hereinbelow, the various loads, including wind load, are then determined. With these assumed loading conditions, stress analysis of the structure is conducted in order to determine the minimum size requirements, including a reasonable factor of safety, of each specific truss component.
  • the basic horizontal shape of framework 11 is a polygon.
  • bays 15 may be added between the end sections of structure 10 by the incorporation of one or more pairs of opposed truss members 20 spaced laterally between end sections.
  • a stringer truss generally indicated by the numeral 40, is provided.
  • the cross-sectional shape of the stringer truss is generally polygonal to provide transverse stability and, as seen in FIG. 7, is preferably triangular inasmuch as such a shape favorably satisfies considerations of weight, size, cost and strength.
  • Stringer truss 40 is generally similar to curvi linear truss in that it has a box channel or rectangular tube 41 vertically spaced from parallel chord members 43a and 43b that are themselves laterally spaced by bars 42. Reinforcing struts 44 also interconnect the box channel 41 with the two chord members 43a and 43!) throughout the length of the stringer truss 40.
  • stringer truss 40 unlike curvilinear truss 20, is straight and inverted so that box channel 41 comprises the lower chord member. However, the ends of stringer truss 40 are inclined laterally so that the intermediate portion is offset from its ends in order to permit the tensioned fabric cover 12 to form a saddle between adjacent pairs of bay truss members and between the bay truss members in the end section of the framework.
  • the amount of offset is preferably not much greater than the maximum depth desired for the saddle formed by the membrane of the fabric cover extending between the successive truss members in the framework inasmuch as an excessive offset would complicate the structure required to maintain the lateral stability desired for the stringer.
  • Sizing of the various stringer truss components will generally depend only upon the horizontal forces acting on structure 10.
  • the various loads, including wind are determined, and after applying a factor of safety the tensile or compressive stress resulting in each of the specific structural components is calculated. The type and size of each component is then selected.
  • truss members 20 are preferably connected to one another at their upper ends in the manner depicted in FIGS. 1, 5, 6 and 8, wherein the various truss members are bolted through face plates 35 to a polygonal head member, designated generally by the numeral 50.
  • Head member 50 is designed to transfer loads between truss members, to allow sufficient opening for gravity or forced air ventilation and to provide a weather seal.
  • head member 50 has six sides or faces 51 because a structure of regular hexagonal shape requiring six truss members has been found to provide a very stable structure and to permit the fabric cover 12 to be tensioned substantially equally along both the warp and fill strands. If the use ofa greater number of truss members is desired, the head member may have eight, ten or more sides provided that there are preferably an even number of sides to facilitate the incorporation of bay sections. Head members 50 may also be used to connect the opposed bay truss members to each other and to the stringer trusses.
  • the stringer trusses are desirably aligned across the head member 50 so that with the bay truss members connected to the opposed flat surfaces of a hexagonal head member 50, the inclined ends of the stringer truss are provided with V-shaped face plates in order to receive an apex 52 of the head member and effect a stable joinder therewith.
  • a curvilinear truss member 20 is connected to a head member and raised into position. Then the base of that truss member is anchored to a foundation according to any conventional manner. Thereafter three additional truss members are positioned and connected to that same head member 50, and they too are anchored to appropriate foundation piers.
  • the remaining truss members can similarly be positioned and connected to form a polygonal framework. If the structure is to contain intermediate bays, the desired number of pairs of truss members are positioned and connected by stringer trusses sequentially from the first head member 50 and then the truss members forming the remaining half polygonal end section are securely positioned to produce a rigid frame structure such as shown in FIG. 1. As with other rigid frame structures, various items including utility lines, sprinkler lines and the like can be supported from the framework. Furthermore, the truss support chords 33 provide an ideal structural member to which insulation and/or a decorative interior surface can be attached.
  • Framework 11 supports a fabric membrane, or cover, 12 to complete the basic enclosed structure 10. After the framework 11 is fully erected the cover 12 may be applied. To facilitate positioning of the cover it may be successively folded and rolled into a compact bundle, placed at the top center of the framework and successively unrolled and unfolded into position.
  • One convenient arrangement for bundling the cover is accomplished by folding the lateral sides to the longitudinal center line thereof (one side so folded is depicted in FIG. 10) and then rolling each longitudinal end of the folded cover individually toward the center of the folded cover with a lading bar 52 centered within each rolled end.
  • the resulting bundle 53 may then be strapped, as at 54, to maintain its configuration.
  • the ends of the lading bars 52 project laterally from the resulting bundle to provide a means for lifting the bundle from place to place and to the top centerline of the framework 11 in which position the strapping 54 may be removed and the lading bars 52 used to assist in unrolling the folded cover along the centerline of the framework.
  • the sides After being unrolled the sides may be unfolded outwardly and downwardly along the framework conveniently to effect an approximate positioning of the cover on the framework.
  • Cover 12 is so designed, as described below, that it can be statically prestressed in tension substantially equally along both the warp and fill strands at any given point and is preferably made from a fabric which maintains dimensional stability over a wide range of temperatures and humidity.
  • a polyester fabric such as Duponts Dacron has been found to have these desirable properties.
  • favorable properties of polyester over other types of fabric such as nylon include far superior ultraviolet light resistance, the ability to withstand weather exposure over long periods of time, and a high tear strength.
  • a knitted fabric may be utilized to advantage.
  • the fabric is comprised of essentially straight warp and fill strands disposed at substantially right angles with respect to each other and knitted together by a third yarn system which allows both the warp and fill to remain relatively straight and does not impart the crimp to the fill yarns occasioned by nonknitting weave techniques.
  • a third yarn system which allows both the warp and fill to remain relatively straight and does not impart the crimp to the fill yarns occasioned by nonknitting weave techniques.
  • Such a fabric structure thereby tends to equalize the amount of stretch between the warp and fill yarns induced by crimping the fill strands during the weaving process.
  • the membrane is preferably coated with any high quality vinyl compound by techniques well known to those skilled in the art.
  • the warp and fill strands be aligned respectively with the longitudinal and the generally vertical axes of the structure so that the warp strands (minimum stretch) will support positive loading (including loads of longer duration, such as snow and ice) and the fill strands will resist the negative loading (fluctuating wind lift).
  • This orientation permits the positive live loads to be transferred to the trusses with the least deformation of the outer membrane.
  • the height and width of structural framework 11 is chosen to give the desired inside space.
  • these parameters are chosen with a practical eye toward truss construction as understood by one skilled in the art so that the required depth of the truss member, particularly at haunch portion 22, is not overly large or overly expensive.
  • the radius of curvature of the haunch portion must be kept within practical limits so that the tension of the fabric membrane between adjacent haunch portions is not so great as to put undue stress on the fabric. For example, in the particular embodiment shown in FIG.
  • the approximately 6 foot upright portion 21 of box channel 31 achieves a substantial wall height which then gives way to a haunch portion the outer curve of which is struck by a 12 foot radius and extends for approximately ten feet, as measured along the chord of the arc. From a practical standpoint this curvature has been found not to be sufficiently sharp as to necessitate overly heavy, or excessively expensive, truss components to support the roof portion. Moreover, undue stress on the covering fabric may be avoided because the haunch curvature is thus moderate.
  • the roof portion 23 may employ a radius ofcurvature of 49 feet and extend for approximately 30 feet. as measured along the chord of the arc.
  • the resulting structure provides a 68 foot clear span without interior supports.
  • By locating one pair of opposed truss members medially of the end portions, as shown in FlG. l, and 20 feet from each end portion the resulting two bay structure provides over 6,300 square feet of unobstructed floor space.
  • By adding one additional pair of opposed truss members that are also 20 feet on center from the adjacent truss members the resulting three bay structure provides approximately 7700 square feet of unobstructed floor space.
  • the fabric cover is designed so that when stretched over the framework 1], the warp and fill strands of the cover will be pretensioned to approximately equal tensile stress at all points along the curved surface thereof. Perfect uniformity in matching the tensile stresses in the warp strands with the tensile stresses in the fill strands throughout the cover is, however, substantially impossible to achieve because of the varying curvature of the cover 12. It must be appreciated that the tensile stress in either a warp or fill strand at any given point on the cover equals the product of the load at that point multiplied by the radius of a curve along which the particular strand lies at that point.
  • the fabric cover 12 assumes a double curved surface between any two consecutive truss members.
  • This double curved, or convoluted, disposition of the fabric is designated as the saddle configuration, and the saddle seat S refers to a reference line on the fabric cover 12 which lies in a plane centered between any two consecutive truss members.
  • the disposition of any warp strand W delineates the warp curve, and the warp curve constitutes that direction on the fabric cover which spans any two consecutive truss members and lies in a plane which passes through the intersection of that line and the saddle seat S and which plane is perpendicular to a line tangent to the saddle seat S at the point of intersection.
  • the radius R, of the warp curve lies within that plane.
  • any fill strand F delineates the fill curve, and the fill curve constitutes that direction on the fabric cover 12 which lies between two consecutive truss members and also lies in a plane that is parallel to the plane which includes the saddle seat S.
  • the radius R; of the fill curve lies within the plane of the fill curve.
  • the warp radius R lies exteriorly thereof, and the fill radius R; lies interiorly thereof.
  • a trial fill radius R is selected which in order that the saddle seat S will not be designed to lie radially outwardly of the curved outer chord defined by box channel 31 is necessarily less than the greatest radius of the truss member.
  • the dimension of the trial fill radius R so selected is then considered as the dimension for the trial warp radius R and in this context the dimension must be large enough so that the saddle seat S will clear the stringer truss 40 sufficiently to allow for stretch of the cover 12 due to snow or ice loads.
  • a second trial radius is selected (for the portion of the cover lying between the centers of the haunch portions of adjacent trusses).
  • the dimension of this second trial radius must be large enough so that when applied as the warp radius the resulting saddle seat will lie outside the planes of the lower truss chords 33.
  • This second trial radius must also be small enough so that when applied as a fill radius one end of the resulting saddle seat between the haunch portions of consecutive truss members will intersect the saddle seat defined by the first trial radius along a common tangent and the other end of the resulting saddle seat between the haunch portions will intersect the point of anchorage along a tangent to the saddle seat.
  • the entire saddle seat resulting from the two trial radii is somewhat similar to the outside member of the truss in that it consists of a short, straight section that extends upwardly from the point of anchorage and thereabove extends, by successive, merging arcs having two radii, to the apex, or ridgerow of structure 10.
  • the fill radii of the cover more nearly approach each other than the radii of the truss members 20. in the particular embodiment depicted, the fill radii of the cover are about 45 feet and 22.5 feet, respectively.
  • the cover for a polygonal, or end, section is designed with radii similar to those used in designing the bay sections so as to maintain equal tensions on either side of a truss member at any point along the truss member.
  • the saddle seat actually extends to the apex rather than to a level below that of the apex, as in a bay.
  • the clearance between the fabric and the stringer trusses may be calculated for expected load conditions. If the calculations determine that contact may result. this condition may be obviated in any of a number of ways. For example, one may position the truss members delineating the bays slightly closer to each other, thus allowing a reduced fabric radius of curvature, or one may increase the dimension to which the stringer is offset. Using the particular embodiment shown in the drawings as an example, the fabric tension at maximum load conditions has been calculated to be approximately pounds per inch at the head member portion and approximately 45 pounds per inch at the haunch portions. This is fully within the strength of available fab- I'lCS.
  • a maximum pre-loading tension of approximately l0.8 pounds per inch may be chosen. This maximum will occur in that portion of the cover located medially of the haunch portions in adjacent truss members and will develop a minimum tension of about 5.4 to about 6.3 pounds per inch in that portion of the cover located medially the apices of adjacent truss members i.e., in proximity to the head member 50. These tensions are deemed to be substantially equal in view of the fact that the tear strength of the fabric is at least ten times the maximum pre-loading tension.
  • positive and negative loading need not be considered as being cumulative.
  • the maximum pre-load is limited by the stretch characteristics of the fabric.
  • any fabric section is such that when placed on framework 11 longitudinally thereof and stretched to impart the desired pre-load tension, the negative radius of curvature i.e., the warp radius R will approximately equal the positive radius of curvature i.e., the fill radius R and thereby achieve the theoretically required material disposition the saddle shape. Because the fill radius of curvature changes in going from the level of the haunch portions to the level of the head portions, the negative warp ra-

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  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Tents Or Canopies (AREA)
US370028A 1972-07-31 1973-06-20 Rigid frame, tensioned fabric structure Expired - Lifetime US3872634A (en)

Priority Applications (12)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AR24928873A AR206102A1 (es) 1972-07-31 1973-01-01 Estructura mejorada para construcciones
US370028A US3872634A (en) 1972-07-31 1973-06-20 Rigid frame, tensioned fabric structure
CA175,932A CA984571A (en) 1972-07-31 1973-07-09 Rigid frame tensioned fabric structure
AU58091/73A AU474172B2 (en) 1972-07-31 1973-07-13 Rigid frame, tensioned fabric structure
FR7326728A FR2194853B1 (fr) 1972-07-31 1973-07-20
GB3475173A GB1407104A (en) 1972-07-31 1973-07-20 Building structure
ES417273A ES417273A1 (es) 1972-07-31 1973-07-26 Perfeccionamientos en las estructuras que comprenden telas tensadas.
BE133887A BE802818A (fr) 1972-07-31 1973-07-26 Structure a charpente rigide et a couverture en tissu tendu
JP48085045A JPS5830977B2 (ja) 1972-07-31 1973-07-30 緊張布張り構造物
IT27270/73A IT991463B (it) 1972-07-31 1973-07-30 Struttura a telaio rigido con telone di copertura teso
SE7310502A SE400797B (sv) 1972-07-31 1973-07-30 Byggnad med en styv ram och ett holje som er placerat over ramen
DE2338826A DE2338826C3 (de) 1972-07-31 1973-07-31 Zeltartiges Gebäude

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US27689972A 1972-07-31 1972-07-31
US370028A US3872634A (en) 1972-07-31 1973-06-20 Rigid frame, tensioned fabric structure

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AU (1) AU474172B2 (fr)
BE (1) BE802818A (fr)
CA (1) CA984571A (fr)
DE (1) DE2338826C3 (fr)
ES (1) ES417273A1 (fr)
FR (1) FR2194853B1 (fr)
GB (1) GB1407104A (fr)
IT (1) IT991463B (fr)
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US4096669A (en) * 1977-07-06 1978-06-27 Seaman Corporation Membrane building segment connection
US4290243A (en) * 1980-03-27 1981-09-22 Seaman Corporation Building membrane hold-down system
US4644706A (en) * 1986-01-27 1987-02-24 Robert Stafford Building structure with transversely tensioned fabric covering
US4715598A (en) * 1984-01-13 1987-12-29 R.F.D. Consultants Pty. Ltd. Basketball game and court
US5105590A (en) * 1983-12-09 1992-04-21 Dykmans Max J Apparatus for constructing circumferentially wrapped prestressed structures utilizing a membrane including seismic coupling
US5177919A (en) * 1983-12-09 1993-01-12 Dykmans Max J Apparatus for constructing circumerentially wrapped prestressed structures utilizing a membrane and having seismic coupling
WO1993017193A1 (fr) * 1992-02-26 1993-09-02 Birdair, Inc. Systeme de gainage par membrane tendue
US5269106A (en) * 1991-11-20 1993-12-14 Fast Truss, Inc. Modular building structure
KR100443896B1 (ko) * 2001-11-19 2004-08-09 (주)케이돔엔지니어링 케이블 돔형 구조물의 점검통로 구조물 유동 지지구조
US20040168374A1 (en) * 1999-09-01 2004-09-02 Harris Fitz Arthur JPH building
US20070051054A1 (en) * 2005-09-06 2007-03-08 John Devincenzo Retractable greenhouse
US20080307718A1 (en) * 2007-06-13 2008-12-18 Murray Ellen Domed steel roof frame
US20080307719A1 (en) * 2007-06-13 2008-12-18 Murray Ellen Domed non-steel roof frame
US7516577B1 (en) * 2006-12-08 2009-04-14 Hendee Enterprises, Inc. Fabric structures with tensioner and tensioner device
US20090188184A1 (en) * 2008-01-30 2009-07-30 Larry Endress Apparatus and system to increase capacity of granular material storage structures
US20120186620A1 (en) * 2011-01-21 2012-07-26 Holstrom Thomas A Compost cover tie-down system
CN103266661A (zh) * 2013-05-29 2013-08-28 甘肃凯源生物技术开发中心 应用于螺旋藻生产的封闭骨架结构及其安置方法
US20130340954A1 (en) * 2012-06-25 2013-12-26 The Boeing Company Method and apparatus for establishing an environmentally isolated volume
US20140325931A1 (en) * 2013-05-03 2014-11-06 Gary Robert Prodaniuk Apparatus and system for forming a structure
US9556667B2 (en) 2012-05-01 2017-01-31 The Boeing Company Method and apparatus for establishing an environmentally isolated volume
US9705448B2 (en) * 2015-08-11 2017-07-11 James T. Ganley Dual-use solar energy conversion system
US9783983B1 (en) * 2016-06-13 2017-10-10 Richard Fairbanks Lotus dome
CN114673354A (zh) * 2022-04-19 2022-06-28 中建八局总承包建设有限公司 采用索网织物模板的复杂曲面混凝土薄壳结构的施工方法
RU213660U1 (ru) * 2022-06-16 2022-09-21 Алексей Иванович Иванов Каркас быстровозводимого строения
US11454018B2 (en) * 2020-06-05 2022-09-27 Sean S. Lee Safety enclosure for building structures
US11459764B2 (en) 2019-11-04 2022-10-04 Gnb Global Inc. Ventilation device for a fabric building

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JPS5812595B2 (ja) * 1976-10-12 1983-03-09 ヤマハ株式会社 電子楽器
DE3117467A1 (de) * 1981-05-02 1982-11-18 Rüdiger 7750 Konstanz Behrend "zeltbauwerk"
AU598271B2 (en) * 1986-06-20 1990-06-21 Nylex Corporation Limited A fabric tensioning device
GB8924344D0 (en) * 1989-10-28 1989-12-13 Mobile Entertainment Centres L Arena structure
US5146722A (en) * 1990-07-31 1992-09-15 Stafford Robert M Fabric structure with double tensioning cables
DE4201857A1 (de) * 1992-01-24 1993-08-12 Frank Hans Albrecht Zeltartiges bauwerk
CN106353195B (zh) * 2016-10-19 2023-04-14 中船重工海为郑州高科技有限公司 一种锚杆自动张拉检测装置

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US2187436A (en) * 1935-11-14 1940-01-16 Thofehrn Georg Portable structure
US2511974A (en) * 1950-06-20 Hangar tent
US2666507A (en) * 1949-10-21 1954-01-19 Ira D Ruark Building structure
US2693195A (en) * 1952-07-03 1954-11-02 Frieder Portable shelter
US3059655A (en) * 1957-12-23 1962-10-23 Birdair Structures Air inflated fabric structures
US3225413A (en) * 1960-07-22 1965-12-28 Walter W Bird Inflatable form for a concrete building
US3241269A (en) * 1963-11-19 1966-03-22 Specialties Dev Corp Inflatable buildings and like structures
US3325958A (en) * 1964-09-01 1967-06-20 Albert B Moore Preassembled structural framework
US3417520A (en) * 1965-03-11 1968-12-24 Gen Conveyor Inc Of Northern C Dome structure and method of fabrication and erection
US3434252A (en) * 1967-03-31 1969-03-25 Howard Franklin Dobson Guard for fire and smoke protection
US3465764A (en) * 1967-07-19 1969-09-09 Carl F Huddle Damping means for portable structure
US3534750A (en) * 1968-01-10 1970-10-20 American Velcro Inc Stressed building structures
US3766573A (en) * 1971-07-29 1973-10-23 H Burkholz Dome structure for supporting flexible material to form a dome
US3788335A (en) * 1971-11-09 1974-01-29 Space Age Ind Inc Anchor means for portable building structure

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US2511974A (en) * 1950-06-20 Hangar tent
US2187436A (en) * 1935-11-14 1940-01-16 Thofehrn Georg Portable structure
US2666507A (en) * 1949-10-21 1954-01-19 Ira D Ruark Building structure
US2693195A (en) * 1952-07-03 1954-11-02 Frieder Portable shelter
US3059655A (en) * 1957-12-23 1962-10-23 Birdair Structures Air inflated fabric structures
US3225413A (en) * 1960-07-22 1965-12-28 Walter W Bird Inflatable form for a concrete building
US3241269A (en) * 1963-11-19 1966-03-22 Specialties Dev Corp Inflatable buildings and like structures
US3325958A (en) * 1964-09-01 1967-06-20 Albert B Moore Preassembled structural framework
US3417520A (en) * 1965-03-11 1968-12-24 Gen Conveyor Inc Of Northern C Dome structure and method of fabrication and erection
US3434252A (en) * 1967-03-31 1969-03-25 Howard Franklin Dobson Guard for fire and smoke protection
US3465764A (en) * 1967-07-19 1969-09-09 Carl F Huddle Damping means for portable structure
US3534750A (en) * 1968-01-10 1970-10-20 American Velcro Inc Stressed building structures
US3766573A (en) * 1971-07-29 1973-10-23 H Burkholz Dome structure for supporting flexible material to form a dome
US3788335A (en) * 1971-11-09 1974-01-29 Space Age Ind Inc Anchor means for portable building structure

Cited By (39)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4096669A (en) * 1977-07-06 1978-06-27 Seaman Corporation Membrane building segment connection
US4290243A (en) * 1980-03-27 1981-09-22 Seaman Corporation Building membrane hold-down system
US5105590A (en) * 1983-12-09 1992-04-21 Dykmans Max J Apparatus for constructing circumferentially wrapped prestressed structures utilizing a membrane including seismic coupling
US5177919A (en) * 1983-12-09 1993-01-12 Dykmans Max J Apparatus for constructing circumerentially wrapped prestressed structures utilizing a membrane and having seismic coupling
US4715598A (en) * 1984-01-13 1987-12-29 R.F.D. Consultants Pty. Ltd. Basketball game and court
US4644706A (en) * 1986-01-27 1987-02-24 Robert Stafford Building structure with transversely tensioned fabric covering
US5269106A (en) * 1991-11-20 1993-12-14 Fast Truss, Inc. Modular building structure
WO1993017193A1 (fr) * 1992-02-26 1993-09-02 Birdair, Inc. Systeme de gainage par membrane tendue
US5261193A (en) * 1992-02-26 1993-11-16 Birdair, Inc. Tensioned membrane cladding system
US20040168374A1 (en) * 1999-09-01 2004-09-02 Harris Fitz Arthur JPH building
US7500333B2 (en) * 1999-09-01 2009-03-10 Harris Fitz A JPH building
KR100443896B1 (ko) * 2001-11-19 2004-08-09 (주)케이돔엔지니어링 케이블 돔형 구조물의 점검통로 구조물 유동 지지구조
US20070051054A1 (en) * 2005-09-06 2007-03-08 John Devincenzo Retractable greenhouse
US7516577B1 (en) * 2006-12-08 2009-04-14 Hendee Enterprises, Inc. Fabric structures with tensioner and tensioner device
US7757439B1 (en) 2006-12-08 2010-07-20 Hendee Enterprises, Inc. Fabric structures with tensioner and tensioner device
US20100251631A1 (en) * 2007-06-13 2010-10-07 Murray Ellen Domed Non-Steel Roof Frame
US20080307719A1 (en) * 2007-06-13 2008-12-18 Murray Ellen Domed non-steel roof frame
US20080307718A1 (en) * 2007-06-13 2008-12-18 Murray Ellen Domed steel roof frame
US20100269421A1 (en) * 2007-06-13 2010-10-28 Murray Ellen Domed Steel Roof Frame
US8381456B2 (en) * 2007-06-13 2013-02-26 S2 Holdings Pty Limited Domed non-steel roof frame
US8381457B2 (en) 2007-06-13 2013-02-26 S2 Holdings Pty Limited Domed steel roof frame
US7814714B2 (en) 2008-01-30 2010-10-19 Cornbelt Fabric Structures, Llc Apparatus and system to increase capacity of granular material storage structures
US20090188184A1 (en) * 2008-01-30 2009-07-30 Larry Endress Apparatus and system to increase capacity of granular material storage structures
US8572901B2 (en) * 2011-01-21 2013-11-05 Thomas A. Holstrom Compost cover tie-down system
US20120186620A1 (en) * 2011-01-21 2012-07-26 Holstrom Thomas A Compost cover tie-down system
US9556667B2 (en) 2012-05-01 2017-01-31 The Boeing Company Method and apparatus for establishing an environmentally isolated volume
US10220947B2 (en) 2012-05-01 2019-03-05 The Boeing Company Method and apparatus for establishing an environmentally isolated volume
US8857762B2 (en) * 2012-06-25 2014-10-14 The Boeing Company Method and apparatus for establishing an environmentally isolated volume
US20130340954A1 (en) * 2012-06-25 2013-12-26 The Boeing Company Method and apparatus for establishing an environmentally isolated volume
US20140325931A1 (en) * 2013-05-03 2014-11-06 Gary Robert Prodaniuk Apparatus and system for forming a structure
US9109376B2 (en) * 2013-05-03 2015-08-18 Gary Robert Prodaniuk Apparatus and system for forming a structure
CN103266661B (zh) * 2013-05-29 2015-05-13 甘肃凯源生物技术开发中心 应用于螺旋藻生产的封闭骨架结构及其安置方法
CN103266661A (zh) * 2013-05-29 2013-08-28 甘肃凯源生物技术开发中心 应用于螺旋藻生产的封闭骨架结构及其安置方法
US9705448B2 (en) * 2015-08-11 2017-07-11 James T. Ganley Dual-use solar energy conversion system
US9783983B1 (en) * 2016-06-13 2017-10-10 Richard Fairbanks Lotus dome
US11459764B2 (en) 2019-11-04 2022-10-04 Gnb Global Inc. Ventilation device for a fabric building
US11454018B2 (en) * 2020-06-05 2022-09-27 Sean S. Lee Safety enclosure for building structures
CN114673354A (zh) * 2022-04-19 2022-06-28 中建八局总承包建设有限公司 采用索网织物模板的复杂曲面混凝土薄壳结构的施工方法
RU213660U1 (ru) * 2022-06-16 2022-09-21 Алексей Иванович Иванов Каркас быстровозводимого строения

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IT991463B (it) 1975-07-30
JPS5830977B2 (ja) 1983-07-02
BE802818A (fr) 1974-01-28
FR2194853A1 (fr) 1974-03-01
GB1407104A (en) 1975-09-24
ES417273A1 (es) 1976-05-16
DE2338826B2 (de) 1978-02-16
CA984571A (en) 1976-03-02
AU5809173A (en) 1975-01-16
AU474172B2 (en) 1976-07-15
JPS4945527A (fr) 1974-05-01
FR2194853B1 (fr) 1980-06-20
DE2338826A1 (de) 1974-02-14
SE400797B (sv) 1978-04-10
DE2338826C3 (de) 1978-10-26

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