Abstract
Air-supported structures use coated fabrics as envelope mate rials, and since the envelope must perform efficiently as both a load bearing member and as an air container, the correct choice of materials is essential to the success of the structure. This paper discusses the considerations affecting the choice of base fabric and coating materials, including such factors as tensile and tear strength, seaming efficiency, behavior under biaxial load, and chemical inertness. New substrate materials are discussed briefly, and some possibilities of reducing the weight of the coated fabric composite are ex plored.
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