The design and construction of fabric structures

Abstract

In its short history, fabric structures have fascinated architects and engineers alike. Architects appreciate their unusual shapes and forms while engineers delight in their "pure" structural expression. Capable of spanning large distances while incurring very little weight on supporting structure, developments in the design of fabric structure can dramatically change the ways in which permanent building construction is conceptualized. This thesis reviews the most current methods for design and construction of fabric structures and focuses on how they can be improved for common application as permanent structures. In doing so, it begins with a brief history and explanation of the various types of fabric structure that have previously been built. Subsequent chapters address different limiting factors, including the development of fabric materials, computational analysis methods, and innovative construction techniques. Finally, a case study of the new Landside Airport Terminal project in Denver, Colorado is presented to illustrate a direct application of design and construction methods. Though fabric structures have come a long way since the first modern cable-net was built fifty years ago, there are still several challenges to be overcome before fabric can be considered a viable option for the majority of new building projects.