TENT STRUCTURES

(THIS IMAGE PROVIDED BY: Bisaga, Dooley, Grove)

Definition of a Tent Structure:

A membrane structure pre-stressed by externally applied forces so that it is
held completely taut under all anticipated load conditions. To avoid extremely
high tensile forces, a membrane structure should have relatively sharp curvatures
in opposite direction (Reference: The Visual Dictionary of Architecture, Ching).

Purpose:
The purpose of a tent structure is to provide a means of shelter that is
lightweight, portable, and quick to install.

Subsystems and Interactions:

There are three major components (subsystems) to a tent structure:

1.) An outer membrane The outer membrane of a tent structure

covers the frame and carries the load primarily through tension
(although it does carry compression also). The function of the
membrane is to protect the interior from the outside conditions and
to transfer the loads to the framework.
2.) The frame The frame is what the thin outer membrane is attached
to. The type of frame construction used varies between the
different types of tents. The frame can consist of rigid longitudinal
poles which transfer loads similar to a column, or it can consist of
flexible rods that transfer loads similar to an arch.
3.) An anchorage system The anchorage system of a tent usually
consists of tabs (attached to the membrane) that are attached by
hooks to the stakes. The stakes are then anchored into the ground.
Some tents use ropes that are attached to the poles which are in
turn anchored into the ground using stakes. Some other
components of tents may be zippers that provide a non-rigid
entranceway into the tent, or screens that enable a view to the
outside.
The interaction of the components of a tent structure usually begins with
sliding the rods or poles through sleeves that are sewn on the outer membrane. In
the case of larger tents, the top end to the poles, usually recessed, are slid through a
reinforced hole. The free ends of the poles or rods are slid through the tabs
(sometimes attaching to the pole or rod by hooks to insure placement). The tabs
are then anchored to the ground using stakes or pins that have hooks on them to
insure that the tabs are held to the stakes. For larger tents, ropes are tied to the
poles and then anchored into the ground.
Upon erection of the tent structure, the outer membrane primarily receives
wind loads or any other loads induced by the weather conditions. These loads are
then transferred to the framing system which then transfers to the anchorage and
then into the ground (see diagram below).
Construction of the tent structure may take minutes or days depending of the
size of the tent to be installed.

(IMAGE PROVIDED BY: Bisaga, Dooley, Grove)

Uses:
1.) Camping This is perhaps the most common use of tents. Lightweight,
compaction for travel, and easy installation make a tent an ideal solution
for camping. Small size also makes a tent desirable because it can be
placed virtually anywhere.
2.) Carnivals Tents used for carnivals are also very popular. It can provide
shelter for a large number of people. Carnivals are short-term occasions;
hence tents are an appropriate choice because they are temporary
structures.
3.) Ceremonies Tents used for ceremonies (parties, weddings, etc.) is
similar to that of a carnival. It provides temporary shelter for a short
term that has a large number of people.
Other common uses of tents include:

Medical Shelter

Storage

Maintenance Buildings

Military Enclosure

Circus

Special Events

Limitations:

Cannot withstand abnormal weather conditions (i.e. high winds)

Not available to be used for multistory construction

Impractical for long-term use

Not comfortable relative to permanent structures

Limited privacy

Typical Materials:
-

Poles: aluminum, composites (plastics)

Outer membrane: waterproof (also can be fireproof) canvas, nylon,

gor-tex, polyester

Floor membrane (if it has one): plastic (similar to a plastic tarp),

canvas

Stakes: metal, wood, or plastic

Zippers: metal (nickel in particular), plastic

Support ropes (if needed): nylon, cloth, twine

Construction Issues:
The construction of tent may take minutes or days depending on size.
Construction usually begins by rolling out the membrane. Then the poles are
inserted into the membrane either with sleeves or with the top end being placed
into the reinforced holes. Then the poles are anchored into the ground using
stakes or ropes attached to the poles. For smaller tents it is a relatively simple
process, but larger tents usually need several people to erect.

Numeric Parameters:
Small tents used for camping and the like can be purchased in the hundreds
of dollars depending of course on size. Small tents can be rented with prices
ranging from $10/day-$20/day. Large tents (carnivals, ceremonies, etc.) are
typically rented at rates higher than those of smaller tents. Larger tents can be
purchased though with prices ranging from hundreds of dollars to thousands of
dollars again depending on size. The table below gives some feedback to the
prices of smaller tents typically used for camping.