Abstract: Considering the crimp interchange and tensile effects of fabric in coating process,a space truss model for the tensile performance of coated fabric as architectural membrane material is developed and the effects of fabric extension in coating process are discussed.In simulation the tensile deformation mechanism of either crimp interchange or tensile deformation of fabric in coating is analyzed.By means of the least square method,the nonlinear tensile curve of fabric is approximated by sections of linear fitting.PVC/PES coated fabrics are used to evaluate the feasibility of the model.It is demonstrated that,once the tensile properties of a fabric are known and the extension of the fabric in coating process is controllable,the tensile performances of the fabric after coating can be predicted.