We understand Fabric
At Calhoun, we understand fabric. We understand the mechanics of fabric covered buildings, and we understand the properties of fabric. We don’t make assumptions and we don’t treat fabric covered buildings like rigid steel panels.
Many fabric structure companies fail to take an in-depth look into the mechanics of a fabric covered building using a linear analysis. This means that when the fabric is under pressure from the weight of snow or other environmental elements, the fabric moves in exact proportion to the amount of load applied. If the load doubles, the fabric moves twice as far.
A common contributor to increased wear and tear on fabric covered buildings is when fabric companies apply a linear analysis when engineering their fabric structure, causing the fabric to bow and take a shape in indirect proportion to the weight of environmental loads. This results in unnecessary repairs and replacements, sooner.
Calhoun is unique in that we have developed specialized analysis which models the shape of fabric under load. By accurately determining various environmental loads that are applied to your steel structure, we use a non-linear analysis. Calhoun’s approach ensures the optimal design of the steel is determined for your fabric covered building, reducing total cost. PRO TIP: The use of heavier fabrics are not cost effective or easy to handle in the manufacturing or installation process. Cutting corners to cut costs will put critical assets at risk.
Key Features:
- CAN EXCEED 150 MPH WINDS
- CAN EXCEED 300 LBS PER SQUARE FOOT SNOW LOAD
- FEATURES UP TO 16% TRANSLUCENCY ON NON-FR FABRIC AND 19% TRANSLUCENCY ON FIRE-RETARDANT FABRIC
Sustainable Structure Fabric Solution
Calhoun is proud to exclusively use the first Membrane Structure Fabric in the world to achieve Cradle to Cradle (C2C) certification through our fabric partner, NovaShield.
CRADLE TO CRADLE CERTIFIED™ Products Program is a globally recognized protocol for product designers, manufacturers and brands as a pathway for making products with a positive impact on people and the planet. To receive certification, products are assessed for environmental and social performance across five critical sustainability categories:
1. Material health
2. Material reutilization
3. Renewable energy
4. Water stewardship
5. Social fairness
Superior Fabric Quality
Years of testing is done before we put anything new on the market, and we ensure we are 100% satisfied with the results. We strive to continue to be an industry leader, so while we are always looking at the newest fabrics on the market for our fabric covered buildings, we do our due diligence first and foremost. At Calhoun, we look for fabrics that have a proven track record in the field.
Calhoun currently uses engineered high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fabric which has been used for decades in the fabric covered building industry. The HDPE fabric that Calhoun offers not only protects your critical assets from the weather elements, but offers increased protection against abrasion during fabrication, installation, and everyday use, ensuring a longer-lasting structure.
Large Strength-to-Density Ratio
Calhoun’s fabric covered buildings are made of engineered high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fabric manufactured from 12 oz per square yard in weight, and 24 mil thick.
Known for its large strength-to-density ratio (which can range from 930 to 970 kg/m3), HDPE provides stronger intermolecular forces and tensile strength than other tension fabric membranes.
HDPE fabric is manufactured into a woven sheet-form and then coated on both sides with a specialized, thick protective layer that aides in protecting against UV damage. HDPE offers increased protection against abrasion during fabrication, installation, and everyday use.