Fabric Building Materials
Fabric Structure Engineering
Our company complies with very strict engineering requirements to manufacture the highest quality tension fabric buildings. All our tension membrane structures are designed to meet standards set by the International Building Code (IBC) and principles enforced by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). If you look hard you will find there is a wide variety of engineering standards within the fabric structure industry. Please pay very close attention to what others are offering. If the building weighs a lot less, most likely they are cutting corners. We are offering rigid frame tensioned fabric structures. Our engineering has been refined and proven for decades. We have the same engineering that is behind most all steel framed buildings in the world today. We do however take it one step further to account for fabric pressure that is applied to the structure. This is very important, if any fabric structure is not accounting for fabric pressure they are bound to fail when the structure experiences a severe weather event.
Fabric Building Steel Framework
Our steel frames are made with 55 KSI steel and welded by certified welders. All of our purlins are capable of handling compression, which very few of our competitors are. The smallest purlins in our fabric structures are 3" x 3" x 11 gauge and our braced bays use even larger purlins. Our fabric is applied in a way that it cannot come in contact with any part of our frames. This way if there is a surface that is not completely smooth, due to hot dip galvanizing, our fabric is not affected as it does not touch. Our bolts can be ordered with a zinc coating, a galvanized coating or even stainless steel. Our standard cables are galvanized but can be ordered in stainless steel as well. The end wall framing on our tension fabric buildings are typically designed using very large HSS steel members.
Hot Dip Galvanizing
Galvanizing is a procedure that causes a metallurgical reaction which causes the binding of zinc to steel. The hot dip galvanizing procedure meets the ASTM A123 standards to protect steel from corrosion. This process starts by taking fully fabricated pieces of steel and administering a course of chemical baths. It is then dipped in an 840° zinc bath. The zinc chemically bonds to the steel and adds 3.9 mils (1 mil= 1/1000th of an inch). The steel then proceeds to a cycle of temperature and atmospheric conversions creating a patina, which provides the maximum protection against corrosion.
This is not the only type of galvanizing. Two types of galvanizing are frequently used, hot dip galvanizing (HDG) and in-line galvanizing (pre-galvanizing). While both of these methods are acceptable, they help protect the steel from damage that corrosion can leave at different rates.
Hot Dip Galvanizing vs. In-Line or Pre-Galvanizing
Hot Dip Galvanization (HDG)
Finished Hot Dipped Galvanized Steel |
In-Line or Pre-Galvanization
Finished In-Line or Pre-Galvanization |
Structural Steel Coating Options
In addition to hot dip galvanizing, we offer red primed, grey primed and powder coated in any color you desire.
Fabric Cover
Our standard fabric membrane is a 12 oz/yd2 polyethylene fabric and we offer all weights and styles of PVC covers as well. Polyethylene material is the best material for most applications in the market. The heavy-duty scrim offers great durability and longevity. This material creates less maintenance providing our customers great value. Covers are available in a variety of colors. Although white and desert tan are favored, we are proud to offer color choices beyond these popular options.
Fabric Building Foundation Options
There are many foundation options for our tensioned fabric buildings. Depending on engineering, wind and snow loads, customer goals, etc., we can work with you to reach your goals and exceed your expectations.
Many customers prefer pre-cast concrete due to the variety and flexibility in design. Legacy has installed buildings on pre-cast blocks, Jersey barriers, T- or L-panels, Concrete Piers, Grade Beams, Micro piles, Spin Anchors, Shipping Containers and additional options. If you are uncertain which foundation is best for you, please ask us.
Larger buildings typically require cast-in-place foundations. Again, there are many options to consider when looking at this type of foundation. We can consult with you and use our years of experience to ensure your project is delivered at the lowest total cost and the highest possible quality.
