Roof and Wall Claddings made of pneumatically prestressed ETFE Foil Cushions

摘要

Foil cushions - pneumatically prestressed membrane structures made of ETFE - are used in buildings as claddings with thermal properties. Due to the air buffer between various layers, foil cushions achieve very satisfying insulation properties and are used as wall or roof cover. In contrast, one layer textile membrans only provide shelter against rain and wind. In comparison to structural glazing, foil cushions allow larger spans in almost any shape and large transparent areas. Various complex, three-dimensional curved shapes may be realized by using specially developed tools in design and fabrication. Deformability and pliability of these claddings allow the erection on supple suspended primary structures or even on cables directly. ETFE has got long-time proofed properties: resistant against weather, ultraviolet radiation and low temperatures; light-admitting (incl. ultraviolet radiation); self-extinguishing; sufficient high ultimate stress and strain. The applicability of ETFE to foil cushions is shown by several examples of recently erected objects.