Abstract
Most of the structural forms in which ETFE film is used are the cushion(pneumatic membrane structures) and tension type(tensile membrane structures), which have been generally accepted to be the most efficient forms. Tensile membrane structures are pulled outward from the exterior to introduce initial stress. And such structures offer the advantage of a natural shape formed by tensile stress and eliminate the need for blast air. Recently, the number of tension type structures is increasing. However, there are problems of creep and relaxation of ETFE films under long-term stresses. In this paper, the stretch fabrication method is proposed for stretching the film into the plastic region during initial tensioning as a way to increase its strength. And its effectiveness is confirmed by investigating experimental and analytical test using ETFE films.
