Weathering-induced ageing strength modification factors for PET-PVC-fabrics

Abstract

The design process of tension fabric structures must consider changes of the material properties due to long-term exposure to the environment. In line with the harmonized view of the Ultimate Limit State verification which is currently developed in the framework of a novel European design standard for membrane structures, a strength modification factor considering ageing effects is proposed to describe the deterioration arising from environmental impacts. The objective of this paper is to broaden the data basis for the long-term behaviour of a typical structural membrane made of PET-PVC material for environmental impacts. In this way, an overview about different data achieved from two practical applications and experimental artificial weathering tests is presented for the destructive effect of weathering on tensile strength of coated woven fabrics. Finally, related weathering-induced ageing modification factors are derived.