Tensile Structures from Uruguay

This book constitutes an up-to-date introduction or general presentation of the subject matter, based on our own theoretical/practical experience in our country as well as abroad; it is a general guide, focused on our medium, and mainly aims at students, architects, engineers, designers and contractors who wish to become acquainted with the design processes and possibilities of this construction technology, to discover the field of applications that lies ahead. It is not a thorough study, nor does it delve on each addressed issue – it is not meant for specialists with a vast experience on the subject matter – since that would lead to considerably more work, losing sight of the intended aims and global approach. It is also driven by the large number of queries received locally from architecture students, and from many students in Latin America and other countries through the internet, and by the interest expressed from professional peers, who have come to us with many questions.The book comprises a first part which covers the general basic aspects, and a second with examples in the manner of technical sheets, whose study helps meeting the aims of this publication more easily.The subject is sorted and arranged for the sake of study and methodological comprehension, but always knowing that the actual design process and realization are more dynamic and interactive, and require a process of synthesis in decision-making. We will essentially focus on membranes applied to architecture as roofing or main enclosure of inhabitable spaces, and not to those with other applications in construction or in soils, those used as false ceilings, solar protection or acoustic or thermal conditioning.