Application Area

Tensile Structure for Toll Plaza

Tensile structures have emerged as the predominant architectural option in contemporary toll plazas, supplanting the traditional heavy concrete slabs with lightweight, high-efficiency canopies. These buildings are deliberately installed to ensure an extensive, transparent surface area to traffic on different lanes and do away with many of the need to use support columns as well as enhance the safety and visibility of drivers. In doing so, a series of steel masts and tension-enhanced membranes allow toll plazas to take on an advanced, “gateway” visual that is an attraction for the traveller but also provides required shelter for the automated machinery and staff.

The technical benefits to toll operations are significant, notably for longevity and maintenance. Most toll canopies are constructed using PTFE-coated glass fibre or heavy-duty PVC membranes, which are fire-resistant and tolerant to the continuous vibration and wind turbulence caused by high-speed traffic and heavy HGVs. These materials also perform a kind of self-cleaning; the slick surface enables the rain to wash away the soot and exhaust particulates that normally build up in transit corridors. Additionally, the high reflectivity of the fabric reduces the "heat island" effect on the asphalt thus keeping toll lanes cooler, while decreasing the energy expenditure needed for booth climate control. From a safety perspective, tensile fabric's translucent nature is a big plus. Outside, it provides nice, diffused natural light that dispels harsh shadows and glare for car neophytes to direct their approach.