Advantages of Fabric Structures vs. Brick and Mortar
Flame Resistance
For any type of building, brick and mortar or a fabric structure, the flame resistant characteristics are pertinent. Architectural fabric structures are designed to meet the building code requirements set forth by the governing body where the structure will be used. Typically, the coated fabric will need to meet specific fire standards above and beyond the requirements of the finished structure. These standards are typically governed by experts in the field of fire safety. The requirements the coated fabric must meet can consist of multiple tests such as tunnel tests, flame spread, smoke development and self-extinguishing characteristics. These requirements can be found in California Fire Marshall Title 19, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 701, Underwriters Laboratory Canada (ULC) S102 and S109, ASTM E84, ASTM D6413, Universal Building Code, and DIN 4101, to name a few. No matter what the application or where the fabric structure is installed, it must be designed to meet the regulatory requirements and maintain its properties to perform long-term to ensure the safety of the occupants.
Design Flexibility
A fabric structure provides tremendous flexibility in design, including shapes and colors. The material's elasticity and strength can accommodate varying loads to enable architects/engineers further design capabilities. It can provide clear, free-span areas for maximum floor space. Fabric structures can be a part of a brick and mortar building. This gives an architect/engineer the ability to take advantage of its unique qualities.
Permanent / Transportable
High-performance fabric structures can be utilized for permanent applications. These structures are an excellent alternative to the standard brick and mortar, allowing for specific requirements to be met that may not be offered by a typical structure. In the event where a structure may be needed for a short-term temporary application, a fabric structure is certainly easier to move to a new location. In addition, it allows the owner ease of resell once it has met its useful purpose.
Cost Effectiveness
A fabric structure is typically much less expensive than the brick and mortar option. Typically, there is less site preparation associated with installation, as compared to a brick and mortar. A conventional fabric structure that is built from the ground up is far less likely to contaminate groundwater, minimizing unforeseen expenses. It can be utilized in inclement weather and then removed to allow access of site. This allows for year-round usage and extension of an operating season.
Energy Efficient
The ease of design to accommodate energy savings in a fabric structure is ideal. A fabric structure can allow for daylight to penetrate the structure to increase useful light. This can reduce the amount of light and energy used to reduce the overall operating costs. Fabric structures can be designed to offer insulatory properties to withstand a wide range of operating conditions.
Atmospheric Discharge Control
Airborne particles can be contained and controlled at remediation sites, mining, etc. The chemical resistivity of the synthetic-resin coated fabric is ideal for managing air quality in conditions that would be harmful to the environment. The structure can be moved from site to site or easily disposed of due to contamination.
