Tensile Fabric Structures & Membrane Architecture

Membrane Architecture Innovation

Tensile fabric structures represent a frontier of innovative architecture and engineering, combining aesthetic design with advanced structural analysis and material science. From iconic stadium roofs to efficient warehouses and temporary event structures, fabric membrane systems offer lightweight, durable, and visually striking solutions. VSG brings specialized expertise in fabric structure design, material selection, structural analysis, and the rigorous quality assurance programs that ensure these structures perform reliably over their operational lives.

Fabric structures demand unique engineering approaches: form-finding algorithms to optimize shapes, finite element analysis to verify structural performance under complex loading, precise material selection matching environmental requirements, fabric welding verification ensuring seam integrity, and quality control during installation ensuring proper tension and alignment. Our team has designed major stadium roofs, engineered large-span warehouses, verified fabric material performance, and led installation QA programs ensuring structures are built to design specifications.

PVC and PTFE fabrics each bring distinct performance characteristics: PVC offers cost-effectiveness and good durability for moderate climates, while PTFE provides superior UV resistance and 20-50 year lifespans for demanding applications. VSG's material expertise ensures optimal fabric selection for project requirements, environmental conditions, and long-term performance goals. We conduct tensile testing, UV exposure testing, flame retardant verification, and seam strength testing to validate material performance before installation.

• Tensile fabric structure design and form-finding
• PVC and PTFE fabric material selection and testing
• Structural analysis and FEA modeling
• Installation quality assurance and welding inspection
• Long-span structure engineering and verification