Re-Skinning Tension Membrane and Fabric Structures
The use of tension membrane and fabric structures has grown significantly within the construction industry. These buildings offer unique benefits in terms of rapid deployment and large clear-span capabilities. However, as the earliest installations age, many are now approaching the end of their design life for their primary component: the exterior fabric. We are beginning to see a clear trend across the country for these fabric buildings to require reskinning or reroofing.
The Complexity of Reskinning
Replacing the external membrane is often more complex than a simple material swap. Over the lifespan of the building, many of these structures have evolved beyond their original use for simple agriculture or general warehousing. They now commonly house human occupancy and contain sophisticated internal systems, including:
Climate Control: HVAC equipment that attaches to or sits near the roof structure.
Life Safety Systems: Integrated sprinkler systems and fire suppression components.
Overhead Utilities: Electrical conduit, lighting, and ventilation systems.
Engineering for a Successful Reskin
When preparing to reskin a structure, simply replacing the fabric may not be feasible or safe without a thorough structural assessment. The process often requires careful engineering consideration for two primary scenarios:
Removal of Overhead Utilities: If existing internal components or utilities need to be temporarily removed or supported during the reskinning process, the structural integrity of the frame must be verified to handle new or temporary loads.
Changing Reskinning Methodology: The chosen replacement material or installation method may introduce a slight change in weight or tension onto the existing framework. Calculating this weight, even a minor change, is critical to ensuring the structural capacity of the aged frame is not exceeded.
RPM specializes in providing the structural engineering reviews necessary for these projects. Our services ensure that your reskinning project can proceed safely and efficiently while maintaining compliance with all structural codes. We can also assist with construction estimates for the proposed work, giving you a clear financial picture of the renovation.
By involving a structural engineering review early, owners can confidently extend the functional life of their tension membrane structures.
