Tent hall glossary
The terms you will meet in offers and technical sheets, explained in plain language.
Span (width)
The clear width of one tent between the side walls, for example 20 m. Standard spans are 10–30 m; wider spans need stronger frames.
Bay (frame spacing)
The distance between two arch frames, usually 4–6 m. The length of a hall is always a whole number of bays.
Eave height (side wall height)
The height of the vertical side wall, where the roof begins. It decides how high you can stack near the walls and how tall doors on the side walls can be.
Ridge height
The highest point of the roof, in the middle of the span. It depends on the span and the roof shape.
Gable
The front or back end wall of the hall, where large doors usually sit.
Barrel vault
A round, arched roof without a separate side wall bend. Simple and economical.
Truss frame
A frame made of two chords connected by diagonals (a lattice). Stiffer and stronger than a single tube, used for wide spans and high snow or wind loads.
Single-tube frame
A frame made of one steel tube profile per arch. Economical for smaller spans.
Purlin
A horizontal member running along the hall between the frames. It stabilises the frames and supports the membrane.
PVC membrane
Polyester fabric coated with PVC on both sides. Weight is given in g/m² (for example 650 or 900 g/m²); heavier fabrics are stronger and last longer.
Flame-retardant classification
Fire behaviour of the membrane, tested to standards such as DIN 4102 (B1) or NF P92-507 (M2). Ask for the certificate if your use needs it.
Keder
A rope or bead welded into the edge of a membrane that slides into an aluminium profile, holding the fabric evenly along its length.
Translucent ridge strip
A light-transmitting membrane band along the roof that brings daylight into the hall.
Ridge vent
An opening along the roof ridge that lets warm, moist air escape.
Side curtain
A wall section that can be rolled up or opened for ventilation, common in livestock buildings.
Multi-span hall
Two or more tents built side by side with shared walls, giving a wider covered area.
Snow load
The weight of snow the roof must carry, defined by location in EN 1991-1-3 and its national annexes.
Wind load
The pressure and suction of wind on the structure, defined by location and terrain in EN 1991-1-4.
EN 13782
The European standard for the safety of temporary structures (tents).
Ground anchor
A steel anchor driven or screwed into the ground to hold the frame against uplift.
Condensation
Water that forms when warm, humid air meets a cold surface. Insulation and ventilation reduce it.
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