Introduction to Fabrics is a resource provided by ATA containing all of the basic specialty fabrics industry information and definitions you need to know.

General

Industry definitions
A list of industry definitions provided by the ATA Building Code Committee.

Awnings and shade structures

Awning and shade structures fabric
Types of fabric and how to select the right ones.

Awning and shade structures and design glossary
Awning fabric attachment methods, fabric terminology, fabric types and graphics.

Glossary of awning terms
The terms you need to know when working with awnings.

Geosynthetics

Drainage materials
Drainage materials and their applications.

Erosion control materials
Erosion control materials and their applications.

Geocells
Geocells and their applications.

Geogrids
Geogrids and their applications.

Geomembranes
Geomembranes and their applications.

Geosynthetic clay liners
Geosynthetic clay liners and their applications.

Geotextiles
Geotextiles and their applications.

Graphics

Fabric facts
Fibers, yarns, finishes, and coatings to meet every printed application.

Graphics applications
Know the functional performance of a banner or graphic element.

Fabric structures

Fabric structures
Material roles in structure performance make the selection process important.

Standardized definitions for tents and fabric structures
Standardized definitions help code officials understand what tents and fabric structures are and how they differ from rigid structures.

Advanced textiles

Ballistic fabrics
The different types of ballistic fabrics.

Flame-resistant fabrics
The latest in flame-resistant qualities and regulations.

Nonwovens
Industry experts define nonwovens.

Tents and temporary shelters

Standardized definitions for tents and fabric structures
Standardized definitions help code officials understand exactly what tents and fabric structures are and how they differ from rigid structures.

Tent basics
Answers to some of the most frequently asked questions in the tent industry.

Tent types
Defines the four basic styles of tents.

Tent uses
Describes uses of tents.

Understanding fabric force terms
A glossary of terms from a tent industry expert.