Tensile structure

In <a href="/facts/Structural_engineering/Wj1vpoGh">structural engineering</a>, a tensile structure is a <a href="/facts/Construction/58eqDhy9">construction</a> of elements carrying only <a href="/facts/Tension_(physics)/waNGYp3a">tension</a> and no <a href="/facts/Compression_(physical)/2wwcVmM0">compression</a> or <a href="/facts/Bending/gxA8Pks1">bending</a>. The term tensile should not be confused with <a href="/facts/Tensegrity/9j5g7GRB">tensegrity</a>, which is a structural form with both tension and compression elements. Tensile structures are the most common type of <a href="/facts/Thin-shell_structure/16anWhxb">thin-shell structures</a>.
Most tensile structures are supported by some form of compression or bending elements, such as masts (as in <a href="/facts/The_O2_(London)/NKIKmPpT">The O2</a>, formerly the <a href="/facts/Millennium_Dome/5YL2NUcf">Millennium Dome</a>), compression rings or beams.
A <a href="/facts/Tension_fabric_building/EqaotEAe">tensile membrane structure</a> is most often used as a <a href="/facts/Roof/JwpVpNRk">roof</a>, as they can economically and attractively span large distances. Tensile membrane structures may also be used as complete buildings, with a few common applications being sports facilities, warehousing and storage buildings, and exhibition venues.

Tensile structure open-in-new

Tensile structure