Overview of textile materials currently used for construction

3 Overview of textile materials currently used for construction 

In today s building industry, the most frequently used structural membranes are coated on both sides. Occasionally they are coated just on one side, and uncoated fabrics or foils with yam reinforcements are also available that are specially adapted to particular apphcations. 

PVC-coated polyester fabrics are used as the building materials for the majority of membrane constmctions. In certain cases, fabrics and yam reinforcements made of polyester require special protection against UV radiation. Because of the need for lower water and/or dirt absorption at the edge of polyester fabrics, specially treated Tow wick yarns are used to avoid the unwanted wick effect (see Fig. 3.5, ref. Mehler). 

Nowadays, PVC-coated, high-quality, low-wick treated polyester fabrics with warranties of 10 years and a stmctural lifespan of more than 20 years are preferred for use as the membranes of tension stmctures. The PVC coatings mostly contain plasticizers, UV stabilizers, hre retardants, colouring and fungicidal additives. Topcoats of acryhc lacquers are mostly used 

5 (a) Not Tow-wick prepared weaving (b) specially prepared low-wick weaving (source Mehler Texnologies, copyright permitted). 

---