| The 43 metre tall Tri-Sail structure will provide Portsmouth with a landmark never to be forgotten. The sail stands at the entrance to the city, signifying the citys' naval and maritime origins. As a tensioned membrane, it is one of the most complex projects ever attempted, with more than sixty cables whose diameters range between 10 and 28mm, provide the structure's ability to remain in tension. Due to it's highly complex design, there are Load Cells constantly measuring the forces in the cables, and being transmitted to a central computer system for processing. All the materials used were chosen for their ability to withstand the local environmental conditions, with high wind pressures from the English Channel, sea air, and a very exposed location by the South's busiest sea-port as well as motorway system. |  |
