Shear behaviour of architectural fabrics subjected to biaxial tensile loads

• Published in: Composites. Part A, Applied science and manufacturing Vol. 66; pp. 163 - 174
• Main Authors: Colman, A.G., Bridgens, B.N., Gosling, P.D., Jou, G.-T., Hsu, X.-Y.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.11.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: A. Fabrics/textiles; Applied sciences; B. Mechanical properties; composite materials; D. Mechanical testing; Design engineering; Exact sciences and technology; Fabrics; Fibers and threads; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Shear; Shear stiffness; Shear stress; Shear tests; Simulation; Technology of polymers; tensile strength; Tensile stress; A. Fabrics/textiles; D. Mechanical testing; B. Mechanical properties; Ethylene terephthalate polymer; Biaxial stress; Tetrafluoroethylene polymer; Ester polymer; Mechanical properties; Shear strength; Experimental study; Mineral fiber; Tension test; Tensile stress; Coated fabric; Glass fiber fabric; Woven material; Polyvinyl chloride
• ISSN: 1359-835X; 1878-5840
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2014.07.015

Broad assumptions are made in the testing and simulation of architectural fabrics used for tensile fabric structures. In particular, fabric shear behaviour is poorly understood and is not routinely determined. Tensile structures are continuously subject to a combination of biaxial tensile stress and shear stress, yet there is no accepted method for accurately determining shear behaviour in a tensioned fabric. A novel picture frame shear test design and associated test protocol is described here that aims to provide a practicable solution for the accurate determination of the in-situ shear stiffness of architectural fabrics. Results of shear tests on fabrics subjected to increasing levels of biaxial prestress are presented and the implications for analysis are discussed.