Biaxial testing apparatuses and procedures

Abstract

This chapter describes the mechanical data required during the realisation of architectural tensioned covers, the main testing procedures and the testing equipment currently in use for biaxial testing. In addition, the chapter presents the first inter-laboratory study between four research centres which repeated the same biaxial test originally designed for the Juventus Stadium in Turin. The study includes the description of the testing procedure and apparatuses, the overall behaviour of the biaxial machines and the level repeatability of the tests according to the values required by the designer of the membrane roof.