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A canopy is an overhead structure typically intended to provide shelter from rain or sun. It is usually seen as a covering attached to the outside of a building. It is also used for decorative purposes and to emphasize a route or part of a building.
Canopy in construction evolved as an architectural feature during the Renaissance. During that period, it was employed as a fixed structure supported on pillars.
Canopies can be supported by the building attached to ground mountings cables, upright support posts, and stanchions. Today, canopies are also constructed as independent structures.
Canopies constructed with a fabric covering a stand-alone structure are called a cabana or a gazebo.
Design Criteria for Canopy Construction
Canopies can be of different sizes, shapes, and materials based on the requirements of the project. Design criteria for canopies include:
- Material selection
- Construction method
- Attachment Method
1. Material Selection for Canopy Construction
The material used to construct a canopy can either be wood or metal. A simple wooden structure covered with traditional roof tiles or a metal canopy structure covered using glass or metal or any other conventional cover materials are common types of canopies.
Canopies are commonly constructed using fabric coverings as they have to meet various design needs. The modern fabrics used are strong, flame-retardant, highly durable, and can be easily cleaned. The material can be vinyl, acrylic, polyester, or canvas.
When using roof tiles to cover canopies, special consideration should be given while designing the support structure to bear the dead loads of tiles.
2. Construction Method for Canopies
Canopies can be either built through gable construction or flat roof construction; gable construction involves making a self-supporting structure. In flat roof construction, the canopy is constructed flat where single metal plates or glass plates are used as a canopy.
3. Attachments for Canopy Construction
Canopies can be built on a framed structure or attached to building walls. The former uses frame made of wood or metal. Depending on the weight of the canopy, outriggers can be used for extra support.
When the wall mounting method is employed, individual glass plates or metal plates are attached to the building walls using metal structures or wires. For small canopy construction, the support structure is directly anchored in the masonry.
FAQs
A canopy is an overhead structure typically intended to provide shelter from rain or sun. It is usually seen as a covering attached to the outside of a building. It is also used for decorative purposes and to emphasize a route or part of a building.
Canopies constructed with a fabric covering a stand-alone structure are called a cabana or a gazebo.
Canopies can be built either through gable construction or flat roof construction. Gable construction involves making a self-supporting structure. In flat roof construction, the canopy is constructed flat where single metal plates or glass plates are used as a canopy.
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