In the world of industrial tension structures, technical specifications are precise. Choosing between PVC and PVDF, or understanding the difference between a Truss and an I-Beam, can significantly impact the lifespan and cost of your project.
This glossary provides clear, standardized definitions for the most common terms used by engineers, architects, and project managers when specifying high-performance fabric buildings.
The American Society of Civil Engineers standard for minimum design loads for buildings and other structures.
A foundation system that uses weighted blocks (concrete) to secure the structure without ground excavation.
The distance between two consecutive structural frames or trusses along the length of the building.
The curve formed by a cable or membrane under its own weight or tension, critical for load distribution.
The external 'skin' of the building, which in our case is the high-tenacity PVC or PVDF membrane.
The horizontal distance between the two inner faces of the structural supports, with no internal pillars.
The vertical distance from the ground to the point where the sidewall meets the roof.
A material property that prevents or slows the spread of fire, typically certified to B1 or M2 standards.
The triangular portion of a wall between the edges of intersecting roof pitches.
The process of coating steel with a layer of zinc by immersing it in a molten bath at ~450°C (ISO 1461).
The standard unit of measurement for the weight and thickness of the architectural membrane.
A structure using curved tubular frames, typically for smaller spans or temporary applications.
The international standard for hot-dip galvanized coatings on fabricated iron and steel articles.
A heavy-duty bead welted to the edge of the fabric, used to slide into an aluminum or steel track for tensioning.
The flexible, high-strength fabric (PVC or PVDF) that serves as the building's roof and walls.
Horizontal structural members that span between the main frames to support the cladding.
The primary polymer used for architectural fabric coatings, often reinforced with polyester scrim.
A high-end lacquer coating applied to PVC for superior UV resistance, self-cleaning, and lifespan.
Standard Chinese structural steel grades, roughly equivalent to ASTM A36 and A572 Grade 50 respectively.
A measure of thermal resistance; higher values indicate better insulation performance.
The downward force on a building's roof from the weight of accumulated snow.
The horizontal distance between the supports of a structure.
The property of the membrane that allows light to pass through without being transparent.
A framework composed of members joined together to form a rigid structure, typically triangular.
The pressure or suction exerted by wind on a structure, calculated based on speed and topography.
| Material / Coating | Global Standard |
|---|---|
| Structural Steel | ASTM A572 / Q355B / EN 10025 |
| Galvanizing | ISO 1461 / ASTM A123 |
| PVC Membrane | DIN 4102 B1 / NFPA 701 |
| Design Loads | ASCE 7 / Eurocode 1 (EN 1991) |
Accurate terminology ensures that your engineering requirements are met exactly by the manufacturer.
Using standard industry terms helps streamline the permit and building code approval process.
Our terminology aligns with international standards (ISO, ASTM, EN) for seamless export and import.
Understanding material grades like PVDF ensures you choose the right lifespan for your facility.
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