Textile shell structures (membranes), in addition to wood, stone, metal and glass, are an ideal option as a "fifth construction material" when you have a novel design in mind and your wish to implement it in a short period of time.

Textile shell structures are modern compositions the material of which are industrial-grade fabrics of high tensile strength with glass-fibre or polyester backing treated with PTFE or PVC.
A high-value surface protection coating may optionally be applied to the shell structures.
The manufacturer's warranty will guarantee high life cycle for facilities made of such materials with heavy-duty use.
The specific strength of such shell structures is higher than that of structural steels.. High tensile and transversal strength matched with flexibility and suppleness provide excellent conditions of use.

Arguments for stretched shell structure roofing:

short production and assembly time
outstanding price/value ratio
subsequently applicable to existing buildings with no problem
design, production and assembly can be controlled by a single contractor as required
unique, characteristic and pronounced shapes can be implemented

Brief description of the most frequently used materials:

PVC / Polyester Fabrics

Cost effective material made from PVC coated polyester fabrics for permanent, temporary and retractable constructions. By selecting a specific surface treatment, the membrane is weather proofed and UV resistant, and can be adjusted to the specific locations. The smooth surfaces are easily cleaned. PVC membranes are flame retardant and have an average life expectancy of approx. 5 - 20 years. PVC recycling processes are patented and are now being industrialised. A wide range of colours can be produced by varying the pigmentation of the coatings. The translucency can reach 20 %, depending on the thickness of the material.


PTFE / glass fibre coated fabrics

High quality materials made from polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) glass fibre coated fabric for permanent constructions. The material has very high tensile resistance. It is UV resistant, non combustible and boasts a high reflective capability. Because of the smooth surface, the membrane is washed clean every time it rains and therefore normally does not require additional cleaning. The colour selection is limited for manufacturing reasons. The translucency can reach 20 %, depending on the thickness of the material. PTFE/fibre glass membranes have an average life expectancy of over 30 years.


Uncoated woven PTFE fabrics

Materials of the highest quality made of pure plytetrafluorethlene (PTFE) fabrics are not waterproof due to the lack of coating. With their extremely high permanent resistance to folds, they are particularly suitable for use as retractable or foldable membranes, the material repulses dirt, is UV resistant, non combustible and are highly reflective. It is possible to produce a range of different colours. The translucency can be as high as 35 % depending on the thickness of the material. PTFE membranes have an average life expectancy of around 20 years.

Process - production in the plant

The PTFE shell structures are completely produced in factory conditions. The raw material is cut to size, the bead cord pouches are prepared and weld seams are closed with hot pressure welding.
The support structure is made of galvanised steel or painted to the desired colour before delivery and assembly.

 

Areas of application:
Sports and leisure stadiums sports halls tennis courts stands, grandstands swimming pools zoos palm gardensk	Arts and culture arenas museums concert canopies theatre and music stages exhibitions space art
Travel and transportation air terminals railway stations bus terminals car park shades hotel lobbies	Business and commerce exhibition halls pavilions showcase booths project walls greenhouses signages and banners large-size screens

Some recent projects produced by Graboplan Kft:

Hannover roof structure of exhibition pavilion
Pusan (South Korea) football stadiums, hell structure,
Abuja (Nigeria) National Stadium, shell structure
Berlin Olympic Stadium, shell structure
Zalaegerszeg football stadium, roof structure
Mogyoród HUNGARORING, roof structure for grandstand

See also photographs of reference projects.