Building Facade: Steel Ropes in Tension Structures

Modern architecture increasingly employs tension structures—cable-net facades, suspended glass walls, and roof tension membranes—where steel wire ropes provide both structural support and aesthetic expression. These ropes, often made of stainless steel for corrosion resistance and appearance, must maintain precise tension over decades while resisting wind-induced vibration. Locked coil ropes offer high strength and smooth surfaces ideal for cladding attachments. Hot topics in facade engineering include fire-resistant coatings and integrated monitoring using fiber optics to detect stress changes. As green building certifications gain traction, ropes with recycled content and environmentally friendly lubricants are becoming preferred choices.