Innovative Approaches to the Erection of Tension Roof Structures

With todays increasing use and acceptance of tension systems for roof structures, and the advanced analytical techniques utilized in conjunction with the computer, new and innovative types of tension structures have been inspired. These range from single- and double-layer cable systems to multi-directional grid networks to free-form structures having unique cable configurations. In order to construct these new types of roof structures in a practical manner, innovative approaches for erection are often generated. Unlike framed, rigid structures, most tensile structures are quite flexible and thus exhibit large movements, especially during erection. As a result, special care must be taken in the development and implementation of the erection of the structure. Another factor that must be considered is that the tensile structure usually requires a pretension of some magnitude to make it function as conceived. This is particularly true due to the relatively low stiffness which most tensile elements possess compared to framed flexural systems present in the same structural assembly. This need for pretensioning adds another dimension to the erection, i.e., jacking of one type or another.