ABSTRACT
In the late 1960s, the opportunity to economically encapsulate large, clear-spans dictated a light weight construction approach. The temporary nature of available fabrics was not objectionable, since many of the structures envisioned, such as halls for international expositions, required relatively short periods of actual use. This provided an impetus to reconsider the design implications for such structures and finally to a reconsideration of the materials of construction themselves.*
To fully exploit the potential of the fabric option, there was little doubt that a new generation of structural fabric would be required: materials tough enough to withstand the rigors of handling by construction crews, virtually impervious to the ravages of weather, able to meet all applicable life safety codes including fire hazard, and sufficiently translucent to provide natural illumination in daylight hours.
