Cantilever structures: more shade, fewer posts

Cantilever fabric structures rely on a precisely engineered balance between the frame, the membrane, and the loads acting on them. The supporting elements must be strong enough to manage the fabric’s tension while resisting wind and uplift.

Structural engineers are central to this process. They calculate how the system responds to shear stress and point loads to ensure long-term stability.

Shear stress refers to forces that act parallel to a material’s surface and can cause deformation if not properly accounted for. In a cantilever system, managing these stresses helps prevent deflection or strain on the frame.

Point loads are concentrated forces applied to specific locations on the structure. Accurate analysis of these loads ensures the cantilever can support the tensioned membrane without internal columns, keeping the space beneath open and reliable.