1. Fortress provides the Customer with concept illustrations/structure specifications/foundation reactions/ estimated price.
  2. Fortress performs an Initial Engineering Review. Deliverables will include initial structural drawings (for permitting) and baseplate reactions used to design the foundation. The Customer commits to an Engineering Deposit (typically $5,000) to begin this phase. This deposit is credited to the final price of the Tension Fabric Structure product. Fortress recommends that customers use a local foundation engineer, but we can perform this service. Preferably, the customer has a current geologic soil report for the site. If not, we may be able to use the default design soil bearing criteria.
  3. Fortress provides final pricing, and the Customer signs a contract for manufacture.
  4. Fortress provides/Customer approves final structural drawings. Engineering calculations accompany final structural drawings.
  5. Steel/fabric fabrication begins. In parallel, the  Customer prepares the foundation if required.
  6. Finalize accessories. Coordinate with/ other trades if required (e.g. licensed electrician).7) Delivery of components.8) Installation

Some things to think about when considering a fabric shelter (not all shelters are created equal):

What is the “strength” of the fabric, not just its advertised face weight? Compare ASTM Tear Strength certifications (Tongue / Grab / Strip).

What is the fabric coated with? Is it truly a coated fabric, or is it a laminated fabric? Lamination can peel under the given proper circumstances.

What is the fabric’s “top finish”? A PVDF (also called PVF, “weldable PVDF/PVF” or fluoropolymer)top finish will give better service over the long run than a pure acrylic finish. A high-quality acrylic will also give good service. Be sure to ask your supplier about this.

Does the actual fabric manufacturer provide a written warranty, or just the shelter supplier?

Is the steel frame custom-designed to your specific needs and geographic location (wind & snow loads)?

Is the shelter designed to Risk Category II standards to meet local building codes for structures in place for more than 6 months?

Is the steel frame made of A500 Structural Steel Tubing or A513 Mechanical Steel Tubing? Mechanical tubing is used in a variety of applications that require specific measurements, as well as in very low-stress structural applications. Structural tubing is used in higher-stress, long-term, corrosive applications.

Is the shelter engineering certified by an independent 3rdparty Professional Engineer licensed in your state?

Is the steel frame “hot dip galvanized” after fabrication to ensure welded connections have the same corrosion protection as the basic steel members?

Is the steel frame assembled using ASTM A325 Structural Bolts

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