WinTess3 and DXF Files

The DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) are for exchanging files in CAD drawings. It is a format created by Autodesk in order to import and export drawings created with AutoCad from / to other programs. Without being the only interchange format, it is the most known and used, and consequently WinTess3 is it using to interact…

Modulus of Elasticity of a Membrane

In any structural calculation, we relate the deformation of the elements that make up the structure with the stresses to which they are subjected. This relationship is often expressed normally using the stress-strain graph of such material. So, we know that the more you deform a structural element, more stress it acquires. This relationship stress-strain…

Searching for Form

Searching form (ā€œform-findingā€) of a tensostructure is one of the basic tasks in the design of tensile structures: those made with membranes, cables, belts, etc. Ensuring that the whole structure is in tension is not something immediate since we can easily meet with warped surfaces, wrinkles even at rest under the load of self weight.…

Prestressing Membrane

In the field of the tensile structures, especially those of membrane but also in the cable nets, it is well known that we should give a pre-stress to membrane. It will provide the structure of a rigidity needed to better withstand the loads and, above all, have some deformations considerably less than those that would…

Offset (Interior)

In the article called Offset (exterior) we have seen how we can create fictitious bars (external lines) to simulate the connecting elements (shackles, turnbuckles, ā€¦ ) and absorb the bulk of the tubes or other structural elements. To do this we get new points that are located outside of the membrane, that is to say,…

Offset (Exterior)

When we are looking for a form of a membrane we work with a certain geometry: vertices, cusps, straight edges, arcs, etc. This geometry is determined by a series of points with their coordinates X,Y, Z. Once we have found a form we are interested in, we pass to analysis or patterning. To do that…

Creating a Complex Model

(Version >= 3.91) If we want to generate a membrane structure like the one shown in the picture below we can do so through the union (mixture) of different simple elements. This is generated, through File menu | New | 2 arches, as a module with 8 meters wide (opening of the arch) and 5…

Integrated calculation

Introduction It is common to find complex structures in both engineering and architecture. We understand complex structures that are formed by various type of structural elements: walls, bars (pillars and beams), slabs, membranes, cables, etc. To tackle with these structures, regardless of which is done by hand or with the help of computer programs, the…

Modifying Patterns

Sometimes we find a membrane to which you have applied a certain design. Everything has been done successfully, but at some point we would slightly change the pattern. The reasons can be different: the pattern does not fit into the width of the fabric by a little while you have enough membrane to compensate on…