Company Profile & Information

Flexible Structure c.c. was formed in 1984 by Edward Howard, then a lecturer in Civil and Structural Engineering at the University of Natal. Flexible Structures International, FSI as it is known today, undertakes the design detailing and project management of fabric tension structures and air-supported structures. FSI tensiles, pioneers of fabric tensile structures in South Africa has executed work locally and internationally and offers its services through its South African office and through its European office. The key personnel consists of structural engineers, architects, designers and project managers.

A range of projects from domestic covers to arenas and special projects internationally have been successfully executed. Generally projects are undertaken as “turnkey” design, procure and erect contracts. This is because of the specialized knowledge required for the various stages of the work and the limited experience of contractors.

Membrane structures are essentially non-linear in their behaviour and require special computer software for the form-finding and structural analysis and the production of cutting patterns. Flexible Structures has the Fabdes suite of programs developed by Prof. Peter Kneen of the University of New South Wales.

A high degree of accuracy is required for the fabric strips patterns. FSI use a computer driven plotting and cutting table which receive data direct from the Fabdes output for automated plotting and cutting of strips up to 1.8m wide and any length.

Attachment of the fabric membrane to the anchorage points requires careful attention both in respect of the way in which the forces are transferred and appearance. Despite the inherent lightweight of the membrane, large forces can be generated, requiring substantial fittings and anchorages.

Fabric membrane structures are not cheap alternatives to conventional construction - they have a different architecture, are dynamic and visual and can have a dramatic effect on the appearance and ambience of the built environment.

See some projects undertaken by FSI. Projects are either turnkey, contracted to FSI directly by the client while others require only part services by engineering and architectural firms, project planners or tent manufacturers.