Seeing green up top

January 1, 2008  |  Continuing Education

By Bruce Dvorak and Marcus de la fleur Green roof technology has come a long way from sod houses and grassed, meadow-like roofs grazed by goats or sheep. It is rapidly moving forward with all expectations of transforming the way urban ecology is legislated, designed, and maintained across the countr…
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Architect to publish book on tension structure technology

September 1, 2007  |  Structure Basics

Architect Roberto Santomauro of Montevideo is publishing a introductory book on tension structure technology. Not intended as an in-depth study, Tensoestructuras is directed at students, architects, engineers, designers and builders who are curious about the technology’s possibilities.
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Keeping outdoor fabrics clean

September 1, 2007  |  Continuing Education

The basics of fabric cleaning and maintenance for awnings, canopies and fabric structures. By Todd Willmert We think of fabric maintenance and our thoughts turn to washing machines or the thread and needle—the basic techniques used on our clothing. Fabric can easily, readily be cleaned and pat…
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Glossary of awning terms

April 1, 2006  |  Structure Basics

Definitions Awning: An architectural fabric projection that provides weather protection, identity or decoration and is wholly supported by the building to which it is attached. An awning is comprised of a lightweight frame structure over which a cover is attached. Canopy: An architectural projection…
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Thermal regulations in the UK

January 1, 2006  |  Structure Basics

By Tanya Ross Introduction Legislation to promote energy saving measures in new buildings has been tightened a number of times over the past 20 years, since the recognition that buildings contribute almost half the annual carbon dioxide emissions in the UK. The most recent revisions proposed to the …
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Photocatalyst technology adds value to fabric

May 1, 2005  |  Fabric Basics

By Kikuko Tagawa The word “photocatalyst” may be unfamiliar to you, but it is mentioned frequently in Japan’s business media; it is now well known by most business people in Japan. Photocatalyst treatments are probably in your environment already. Do the mirrors on your car doors e…
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Standardized definitions for tents and fabric structures

May 1, 2005  |  Structure Basics

Standardized definitions help code officials understand just exactly what tents and fabric structures are and how they differ from rigid structures. For over a year now, the Building Code Committee of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) has been discussing definitions for terms t…
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Loads & anchoring: Awnings & canopies

April 1, 2005  |  Hardware & Rigging

A major consideration in designing a large awning or canopy for a structure is how it will be secured. Anchorages—elements used to fasten an awning system to a building and the ground—stabilize the awning. Most anchoring is done using one of four tried-and-true methods: friction, keying,…
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Basalt continuous filament could be the fiber of the future

July 1, 2004  |  Fabric Basics

BCF has distinct advantages over mineral fibers like carbon, ceramic and glass fibers. By Eddie Grosfield Spewed by erupting volcanoes millions of years ago, solidified lava—called basalt rock—turns out to be an excellent raw material for making effective fireproof fabrics and barriers, …
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Japanese fabric companies attempt to develop substitute for PVC

March 1, 2003  |  Fabric Basics

 By Kikuko Tagawa Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is an extremely popular material used in a wide variety of applications, including construction, industrial fabrics, filtration, medical products, food wraps, toys, and many others. This inexpensive material combines strength and workability and excel…
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