Form Determination - Tensile Fabric Structures: Design, Analysis, and Construction - page 64

5.3.2 Stretchy Fabric
Stretchy lightweight fabric can be used to explore a wide range of self-tensioning
forms. The implications of high local tension can be studied by noting how uniformly
the fabric is stretched. Stiff or elastic string can be used to model the effect of cables.
Dowels and metal wire may be used to model struts and masts. (Figure 5-8)
Figure 5-8
Fabric Model
(Photograph by the author)
5.3.3 Wire Mesh
Once the basic form is established, carefully constructed models using light gage
wire, chain or wire mesh may be helpful in defining the prestress shape or studying
the structural behavior under applied load. Several designers have used wire models
in their final analysis of the geometric form and structural behavior. They may be
used for structures where the surface is defined by a mesh. A mesh model may also
be used to approximate a membrane surface. A mesh approximation may be
particularly useful in simplifying the analysis for hand techniques.
5.3.4 Detail Studies
Carefully designed connections are critical to the performance of most tensioned
fabric structures. The complex three dimensional geometry of tensioned membrane
structures are often difficult to visualize and describe in drawings. Building simple
models is a very useful way to understand how several cable lines and membrane
edges should meet. They are also useful in checking for the necessary clearances in
complex weldments and for bolt and pin installation (Figure 5-9). Connections can
also be modeled and studied digitally (Figure 5-10).