1. Generally speaking, the initial prestress is less than 5% of the tensile strength of the fabric, say 1.5% to 4%;
2. For small span structures using a polyester fabric, 1 to 2 kN/m initial prestress may be used;
For large span structures using the stiffer teflon coated fiberglass fabric, it can be up to 5 to 6 kN/m;
3. If the initial prestress level is too low, the fabric maybe going into compression, i.e. it will be wrinkled;
4. It should be considered that the prestress decreases with time due to creep of the fabric.
For a structure using PVC coated polyester fabrics, periodic adjustments to edge cables, guy cables or jacking of masts may be required;
For a structure using PTFE coated fiberglass fabrics, the higher initial prestress is sufficient to overcome any setting in by the fabric yarns.
Pre-tension is the tensile forces introduced in the canopy during erection.
The shape of a membrane surface is determined by the ratio of prestress in the two principal directions of curvature. These are established in the computer form generation process. The absolute values of prestress are calculated to be sufficient to keep all parts of the membrane in tension under any load case.
Any imposed live load will be carried by redistributing the stresses within the membrane. If this results in any section going into compression, ie going slack, then creases will appear.
Similarly if the pre-tension is not high enough a snow load could cause ponding.