Since its invention by the Romans, concrete has been cast into all manner of formworks whether temporary or permanent. Concrete members have traditionally been cast using a rigid formwork and engineering analysis has been on prismatic members. All rigid formworks including rubble, brick, and wood have become the containment form of choice for our modern concretes and an industry standard practice ever since humankind first sought to contain these early forms of mortar and "concrete" in their structures. But, since the 1970s there has been a renewed interest in using modern fabrics as part of concrete member forming systems. This type of forming system is not easily engineered and its analysis is very complex and requires nonlinear analytical procedures. Could this be a hindrance to its everyday use and acceptance? This paper explores the question of whether there is a future for the use of fabric as a material practical for forming concrete members.
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