Tensile surface structures are the visual expression of an intensive rethinking of the topic of building envelopes by designers. Advances in design methods, materials, construction elements and assembly and erection planning in the field of lightweight construction are enabling ever more exacting applications of tensile structures with envelope and structural functions, especially in roofing over large clear spans without internal support. However, the particular mechanical characteristics of the materials used in the construction of textile structures demand consideration of the question of "buildability". This book provides answers by discussing the fundamental influence of material manufacture and assembly in deciding the most suitable type of building or structure and its detailing in the design process. The fundamentals of material composition, manufacturing process, patterning and the behaviour of flexible structural systems are all explained here, as well as their use as structural and connection elements, and special attention is given to the erection of wide-span lightweight structures. The erection equipment is described, as well as the lifting and tensioning process and the construction methods used to erect the characteristic types of tensile structures, illustrated with a selection of example projects. Forword by Werner Sobek.

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DI Dr. techn. Michael Seidel is lecturing in membrane structures at the Institute of Architecture and Design of the Technical University Vienna. As consultant engineer he has a wide range of experiences in planning and realising membrane and cable structures.

1 INTRODUCTION The importance of manufacture and erection Ambition, aim and scheme of the book 2 MATERIALS FOR TENSILE SURFACE STRUCTURES Introduction Structural composition and manufacture Linear load-bearing elements Surface load-bearing elements Material behaviour of coated fabrics Mechanical properties Fabrication of coated fabrics Development Compensation, strip layout Criteria for the patterning Cutting out the pieces Methods of jointing surfaces Permanent surface joints Reusable surface joints Methods of transferring force at the edge Geometry of the edging and effect on bearing behaviour The detailing of edges and their anchorage at corners Edge details Corner details 3 CONSTRUCTION OF TENSILE SURFACE STRUCTURES Introduction Construction management Aims and tasks of construction management Scheduling Modelling erection procedures Construction engineering Design detailing for erection practicality Erection equipment and machinery Cranes and lifting devices Tensioning devices and equipment for ropes Tensioning devices and aids for membrane sheets Scaffolding working platforms and temporary construction Erection procedure Criteria affecting the erection procedure Remarks about the erection of the primary structure Erection procedures for membrane structures Construction Preparation work and preassembly Lifting and hanging structural elements Introduction of loads - pretensioning Control of the forces in flexible structural elements Determination of force in ropes Measurement of membrane stresses 4 SUMMARY AND OUTLOOK References Illustration acknowledgements Projects (1989-2007)