Performance Evaluation of an Installed Insulated Tension

System

M.J. Augustyniak, T.D. McCoy, T.M. Connell and S. Gellin

Dedmon Center, Radford University, Radford, VA USA

Original Construction

•Built 1987

•Air supported fabric with liner

•Fabric coverage: Gym – 4800 m2

Pool – 560 m2

Problems

•High energy consumption (air conditioning, supporting the air supported roof)

•Poor acoustics in the gym; could not use as a multi-use facility

•Condensation on the pool liner, causing dirt stains

New Build Requirements

•State code required a level of insulation not met by old system (R = 12) (0.47 W/m2-°K)

•New insulated system will maintain the natural daylight

•In gym, air supported system replaced by a truss support structure with the insulated fabric system as cladding; flexibility required to protect roof supports

Properties of New Insulated System

•Top layer: PTFE coated fiberglass

•Bottom layer (liner): PTFE coated fiberglass; special vapor barrier for pool

Properties of New Insulated System (continued)

•Inside: Aerogel blanket- Lightest solid material on earth- Hydrophobic- Lowest thermal conductivity of any

solid- Translucent- Stable properties- Made from silica- Re-usable

Gym: Thermal Performance

Gym: Lighting

Gym: Acoustical Performance

Conventional Construction vs. Tensotherm Roof(Occupied)

Pool: Lighting

Conclusions

•Energy costs significantly reduced

•Lighting more than adequate

•Acoustic performance in gym allows for multi-function usage

•Fabric can now compete with conventional roofing systems in cold weather climates!

Thank you!