Non-seam ridge on tarp

[Flash Grundelore]

I understand the idea of using the seam as an integral part of the strength of the ridgeline on a tarp.
However, are there any drawbacks, structural or otherwise, to making a tarp with the seam running front to back, and a grosgrain reinforced ridgeline side to side?

I would like to have a tarp that would provide more shelter in front of the hammock for camp activities, especially when set up in porch mode. The natural way to add length would be to use the running-length of fabric front to back with a long, linear seam overhead, rather than piecing together three shorter strips running from side to side.

Thoughts....?

[ZULUMASTER]

I would be concerned that the forces pulling the seam apart might be an issue, however, with a grosgrain ridgeline it might not be an issue at all. If it were an issue, it might be mitigated by adding grosgrain on the sides parallel to the ridgeline to prevent it from exerting all the forces on the seam. Still seams like a feasible idea that could give you a larger tarp area. Just my 2 cents worth.

[ZULUMASTER]

I found this right after I replied to your original post.

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ry-Add-A-Porch

I would imagine a DIY version wouldn't be too hard.

[Irishjihad]

A seam is strongest along it's length, not perpendicular to it. Might not be a problem, but it probably would be.

[Firesong]

I've made a few tarps where the ridgeline wasn't along the seam. It was fine.

[Boston]

A seam is strongest along it's length, not perpendicular to it.

While true, this statement alone doesn't mean much.

Steel is stronger than aluminum is also a true statment, but that doesnt mean you should stop using all those nice aluminum carabiners for climbing in favor of steel ones.

In general a flat felled seam is strong enough across both axises, and has been proven to be so by quite a few people.

Also, a "grosgrain" seam (seam bound with grosgrain) is probably weaker than a felled seam in this configuration. The reason is due to the number of sew lines taking the load.