Biaxial Test Method for Characterization of Fabric Materials Used in Permanent Fabric Roof Structures

Abstract

Abstract An experimental investigation was conducted to develop a test method and hardware for the purpose of characterizing the material behavior of coated glass fabrics for application in large roof structures. Because of the biaxial nature of stresses in fabric structures, an internally pressurized cylinder specimen was designed for use in a hydraulically actuated (MTS) testing machine. Biaxial cylinder fabrication and appropriate testing procedures were developed. Stress-strain and strength characteristics were determined for various fabric material types and material lots. Biaxial monotonic, step loading, stress rupture, and dynamic fatigue loading conditions were studied. Combined biaxial tensile plus shear loading were assessed by testing cylinders under biaxial and superimposed torsion loading conditions. The strength characteristics of damaged fabric materials were also extensively assessed.