Architectural Specification

SECTION 133123
TENSIONED FABRIC STRUCTURES (TFS) SPECIFICATIONS

(View and Download PDF format here: Tension Structure Specification)

 

PART 1 – GENERAL
1.1	SUMMARY
	A.	The Tensioned Fabric Structure Manufacturer (hereafter referred to as “TFS Manufacturer”) shall be responsible for the design, engineering, fabrication, supply and installation of the work specified herein. The intent of this specification is to have single source responsibility for the above functions.
	B.	Performance Requirements: The TFS Manufacturer shall be responsible for the configuration, fabrication and erection of the tensioned membrane structure. All materials provided shall be new and unused.
	C.	Erection of the complete system shall be the responsibility of the same firm designing and manufacturing the building.
	D.	The fabric structure shall be a cable and/or frame supported tensioned membrane structure. The fabric shall have low elongation characteristics under tension and shall assume an anticlastic configuration. Structures that have designs incorporating fabric in a flat or mono-axially curved configuration at any location in the roof will not be acceptable.
	E.	Provide a structure as shown in the drawings and described in this specification. Foundations and anchoring for the structure shall be the responsibility of General Contractor or the TFS Manufacturer.
1.2	SUBMITTALS
	A.	Data: Manufacturer product data, including specifications and installation instructions for each component of the TFS. Include laboratory test reports and other data, where applicable.
	B.	Engineering drawings: 11” x 17”, dimensioned drawings for the TFS signed and sealed by a licensed civil or structural engineer. Include plan view, elevations, details, sections, connections, and anchorage/footings.
	C.	Samples: Fabric, 8 ½” x 11” minimum
	D.	Structural calculations: Signed and sealed by a registered structural or civil engineer specializing in TFS design and engineering.
	E.	LEED Submittals:
		1.	Credit MR 4.1 and MR 4.2: For products having recyclable content, provide documentation indicating percentages, by weight, of postconsumer and preconsumer recycled content. Include statement indicating costs for each product having recycled content.
		2.	Credit MR 5.1 and 5.2: Identify each regional material along with the location of its harvest, extraction, or manufacture. Include material cost for each item.
1.3	REFERENCES
	A.	AWS D1.1 – American Welding Society Structural Welding Code
	B.	AWS D1.2 – American Welding Society Structural Welding Code, Aluminum
	C.	NFPA 701 – National Fire Protection Association Fire Test for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films
	D.	ASCE 7 – American Society of Civil Engineers, Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and other structures
	E.	ASTM A 500 – Cold-Formed Welded and Seamless Carbon Steel Structural Tubing in Rounds and Shapes
1.4	QUALITY ASSURANCE
	A.	Acceptable Manufacturers:
		1.	Eide Industries, Inc. 16215 Piuma Avenue Cerritos, CA 90703-1528 www.eideindustries.com		Attn. Erik Jarvie Sales Engineer Phone (562) 402-8335 ext. 125 erik@eideindustries.com
		2.	Or equal
	B.	TFS Manufacturer must provide proof of the following certifications:
		1.	Have been in continuous operation as a professional fabric Tension Structure manufacturer for a minimum of ten (10) years prior to this contract.
		2.	Hold a valid general contractor’s license for a minimum of five (5) years.
		3.	Welder Qualifications: The personnel manufacturing the metal awning frames must be certified welders.
		4.	Provide written Welding Procedure Specifications.
		5.	Professional Engineer Qualifications: A professional engineer who is legally authorized to practice in the jurisdiction where project is located and who is experienced in providing engineering services for installing Tensioned Fabric Structures similar to those indicated for this project and with a record of successful in service performance.
		6.	Hold a current Los Angeles City Approved Fabricator’s license.
		7.	OSHA 10 Hour Construction Industry Certified Training.
		8.	OSHA Fall Protection Training.
		9.	Job site installation crew must include one CPR trained member on the job site at all times of the installation.
		10.	The installation crews must have a copy of the awning company’s Code of Safety practices at the job site during times of installation.
		11.	Hold daily Safety Tail Gate Meetings before start of installation work.
		12.	When forklifts are used at the job site, the operator must be Fork Lift Operation Trained.
		13.	Certified California AB1825 Sexual Harassment Training.
		14.	The Tensioned Fabric Structure fabricator must provide proof they have an ongoing written Quality Assurance program for 5 years or more.
		15.	The Tension Structure fabricator must provide proof of full-time Quality Assurance manager.
		16.	The Tension Structure manufacturer must provide proof of $4 million general liability insurance coverage.
		17.	The Tension Structure manufacturer must provide proof of workers compensation insurance coverage.
		18.	TFS Manufacturer is required to be a current member of a professional trade association, i.e., Lightweight Structures Association.
		19.	General contractors license in the states of California, Nevada and Arizona.
		20.	Vehicle insurance certification.
1.5	WARRANTY
	A.	Warrant frame materials and workmanship against defects for a period of 1 year from date of substantial completion of the work.
	B.	Warrant fabric materials and workmanship against defects for a period of 5 to 15 years (depending on selected and approved fabric), on a prorated basis, from the date of substantial completion of the work and/or offer the same warranty offered by the fabric mill that manufactured or supplied the fabric.
1.6	DESIGN
	A.	The structural design shall comply with applicable codes and regulations.
	B.	Design Engineering documentation of complete tensioned membrane structure will meet all applicable codes.
	C.	The structure shall be designed in accordance with the IBC Building Code with the design wind speed to be 90 MPH minimum.
	D.	Engineering:
		1.	Based on the structural calculations as defined in this section, prepare structural design drawings defining the complete structure, precise interface geometry determination, reaction loads imposed on foundations, anchoring loads, connection details, interfaces and seam layouts.
		2.	Structural calculations for the fabric structure shall include:
			a.	Large deflection numerical shape generation that will insure a stable, uniformly stressed, three dimensionally curved shape that is in static equilibrium with the internal prestress forces and is suitable to resist all applied loads.
			b.	Large deflection finite element method structural analysis of the membrane system under all applicable wind, seismic and snow loads.
			c.	Finite element method structural analysis of the support frame system.
			d.	Member sizing calculations of all primary structural members.
			e.	Connection design including bolt, weld and ancillary member sizing.
			f.	Biaxial Fabric test specification, interpretation and fabric compensation determination.
			g.	Accurate generation of the two dimensional compensated fabric templates required to generate the three dimensional equilibrium shapes.
1.7	REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS
	A.	Conform to applicable code for fire resistance ratings for Tensioned Fabric Structure covering.
	B.	Life Safety: All fabric structures shall be designed so no life safety issue is created in the event of a loss of the fabric. The structural support members shall not rely on the fabric for structural stability.
1.8	DELIVERY, STORAGE AND HANDLING
	A.	Delivery and Storage: Deliver materials to site in manufacturer's original, unopened containers and packaging, with labels clearly identifying product name and manufacturer. Store materials in accordance with manufacturer's instructions, in a clean, dry, well ventilated area, above ground on blocking, and do not allow materials to become wet, stained, or dirty.
	B.	Handling: Handle materials so as to protect materials, coatings, and finishes during transportation and installation to prevent damage or staining. Handle fabric in accordance with manufacturer's instructions. Use care in handling of fabric to avoid damage to fabric material and coating. Do not damage, crush, or kink cables where occurs.
PART 2 – PRODUCTS
2.1	ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE PRODUCTS
	A.	Provide environmentally preferable products (EPP) to the greatest extent possible.
	B.	Provide products and materials that promote stewardship of the earth's resources, promote good indoor environmental quality, and promote efficiencies in operational performance.
	C.	EPP's include products that have low VOC content, high recycled content, and are manufactured, fabricated, or extracted within 500 miles of the construction site.
2.2	MATERIALS
	A.	APPROVED ARCHITECTURAL FABRIC MEMBRANE MATERIALS
		1.	PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
			a.	Raw Material: Polyester
			b.	Construction: PVC/PVDF Coated Polyester
			c.	Tensile Strength: to meet requirements of engineer
			d.	Light Transmission: 8% - 14%, depending on required strength
			e.	Color: White
			f.	Expected Service Life: 20 Years (Warranty is 10 Years)
			g.	Flame retardant: NFPA 701
			h.	Composure: Solid and water repellent
			i.	Seams: RF Sealed with sufficient strength to develop 90 percent of full strength of fabric
			j.	Recyclable material construction
		2.	PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) coated Fiberglass
			a.	Base Fabric: Woven "EC6" glass
			b.	Coating: PTFE
			c.	Tensile Strength: as required by engineer
			d.	Combustibility: Non-combustible substrate when tested in accordance with ASTM E 136
			e.	Intermittent Flaming: Class A, when tested in accordance with ASTM E 108
			f.	Flame Spread: Class A, when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84
			g.	Flame Retardancy: Passing NFPA 701
			h.	Solar Transmission: 19 percent, minimum
			i.	Seams: Welded, with sufficient strength to develop 90 percent of full strength of fabric
			j.	Expected Service Life: 25 Years (Warranty is 10 Years)
			k.	Color After Exposure to Sunlight: White
			l.	Composure: Solid and water repellent
			m.	Neoprene gaskets will be used to protect PTFE against contact with metal components
		3.	HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)
			a.	Mesh fabric made from UV stabilized HDPE
			b.	Fire Retardancy: NFPA 701
			c.	Sewn with PTFE thread in a zig-zag stitch to prevent failure under tension
			d.	Color: As approved by architect/owner from available selection
			f.	Expected Service Life: 15 Years (Warranty 10 Years)
		4.	ePTFE (Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene)
			a.	Tear strength: as required by engineer
			b.	Light Transmission: 30% - 40% with respect to associated required strength
			c.	Color: White
			d.	Flame retardant: NFPA 701
			e.	Flame spread: Class A (ASTM E84)
			f.	Composure: Solid and water repellent
			g.	Seams: RF Sealed with sufficient strength to develop 90 percent of full strength of fabric
			h.	25 year expected life - 15 year full warranty
			i.	Recyclable material construction
	B.	STRUCTURAL STEEL FRAMING
		1.	Structural frame shall be fabricated from structural steel using standard shapes. The steel shall be minimum ASTM A36 for standard profiles and A500 Grade B for structural tubes.
		2.	The fabrication of the steel shall be in accordance with guidelines set forth in the AISC steel design manual and the AWS code of structural welding. All welds shall be in accordance with manufacturers design and performed prior to shipping. No welding shall be performed in the field unless authorized in writing by the Owner or Owner’s representative.
		3.	The structural members shall be fabricated in as large segments as possible to minimize field joints.
		4.	All segments of the assembly will be welded or stamped with the appropriate part number in a manner that will still be visible after powder coating is applied.
		5.	Grind all corners and sharp edges.
		6.	The steel shall be polyester powder painted to a minimum of 3 mils.
		7.	Steel will require abrasive blasting and primer before application of the polyester powder paint finish.
	C.	ALUMINUM MEMBRANE PLATES AND CLAMPS
		1.	Aluminum shall conform to alloy 6061-T6
		2.	All components will be welded or stamped with the appropriate part number in a manner that will still be visible after powder coating is applied.
		3.	The aluminum shall be polyester powder painted to a minimum of 3 mils
	D.	CABLES AND END FITTINGS
		1.	Galvanized Cables and Fittings:
			a.	All structural wire rope shall be made from Wire Rope conforming to AISI Steel Cable Manual requirements with a Class A galvanized coating or approved substitute. The cable should be IWRC improved plow steel. All cable terminations and connectors shall be hot-dipped galvanized for corrosion protection. Cables should be designed with a minimum safety factor of 2 on breaking strength.
			b.	Cables which are designated to be prestretched shall be prestretched per ASTM A603 for wire rope. Cables of the same type shall have the same modulus of elasticity.
			c.	All cables and end fittings shall be delivered clean and dry.
			d.	All swaged and speltered fittings shall be designed and attached to develop the full breaking strength of the cable. Thimble end fittings shall develop a minimum of 110% of the cable breaking strength.
			e.	Swaged end fittings, pins, nuts and washers shall be electro-galvanized.
			f.	Speltered end fittings shall be hot dipped galvanized.
			g.	Attach a tag indicating the cable length and mark number to each cable assembly.
			h.	The design load is the load in the cable under prestressed load condition per the recommendation of the engineer on record.
			i.	Cables shall be tensioned to double the design load before length is cut.
			j.	Cables shall be tensioned to the design load when measuring the cut length that is indicated on the shop drawings.
		2.	Stainless Steel Cables and Fittings:
			a.	Cables shall be 1x19 Stainless Steel Open Strands, Grade 316.
			b.	Cables and fittings will be fabricated per the standard operating procedures of the following approved manufacturers:
				-  Frontier Technologies
				-  Ronstan International
			c.	Attach a tag indicating the cable length and mark number to each cable assembly.
			d.	The design load is the load in the cable under prestressed load condition per the recommendation of the engineer on record.
			e.	Cables shall be tensioned to double the design load before length is cut.
			f.	Cables shall be tensioned to the design load when measuring the cut length that is indicated on the shop drawings.
	E.	BOLTS AND RELATED FASTENERS
		1.	Fasteners and hardware accessories shall be of types and sizes best suited for the purpose as recommended by the engineer on record.
		2.	Fasteners used on main structural members shall be hot-dipped galvanized high-strength bolts including nuts and washers, and conforming with ASTM A325 or A490 as applicable. All other fasteners shall be adequately sized and treated for corrosion protection.
		3.	Concrete anchor bolts shall conform to A307 and be Hot-dipped Galvanized.
2.3	FABRICATION
	A.	In accordance with the approved manufacturer’s standard procedures and to match approved samples.
PART 3 – EXECUTION
3.1	EXAMINATION
	A.	Examine the conditions under which this work is to be performed and correct unsatisfactory conditions.
	B.	Correct unsatisfactory conditions before proceeding with installation.
3.2	ERECTION
	A.	TFS Manufacturer will prepare a full and comprehensive assembly procedure guide prior to installation.
	B.	Comply with the TFS Manufacturer recommendations, the approved shop drawings and the applicable Code requirements.
	C.	Weather Conditions: Proceed with installation of the fabric and associated work only when existing and forecasted weather conditions will permit work to be performed in accordance with manufacturers recommendations. The Tensioned Fabric Structure shall not be installed when wind conditions are deemed in excess of manufacturer’s determination of safe wind speed erection conditions. It shall be the manufacturer’s sole discretion to determine acceptable and safe wind condition for installation.
	D.	Framing and structural members: Anchor bolts shall be accurately set. Uniform bearing under base plates shall be provided using non shrink grouting compound where applicable. Members shall be accurately set to assure proper fitting and covering. As erection progresses, the work shall be securely fastened to resist the dead load and wind and erection stresses. Erected structural frame work shall be adequately guyed and secured to resist all possible loads due to wind and the installation process.
	E.	Fabric: Prior to start of installation; check all surfaces of framing members and other rigid construction elements to be in contact with fabric to ensure that all edges are smooth and well rounded. Remove any potential causes for snagging or tearing of the fabric. Properly install all connections and provide all materials and equipment required for the erection and stressing of the fabric. Unroll the fabric in such a manner as to avoid snagging or dragging the fabric over sharp objects during installation. Adequate fabric prestress shall be confirmed by the fabric structure manufacturer and the appearance of the fabric membrane roof shall be smooth and wrinkle free. Creasing or folding the fabric around sharp corners shall be avoided at all times.
	F.	Fabric tensioning system: Cables shall be free of all kinks and bends. Care shall be taken not to damage the cables during installation. Bolt holes shall be 1/16” larger then the bolt, unless otherwise indicated.
	G.	After installation, restore marred or abraded surfaces to original condition using same paint or coating as factory-applied finishes, when the results are acceptable to the Architect, otherwise replace damaged equipment.
END OF SECTION