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I've been putting together the TV 101 Bustle using a thick bengaline fabric. This creates very nice, smooth lines but it's a bit heavier than other fabrics.

With all that weight in the back, I'm concerned about the tie strings that hold the boning in a curve. I'm using twill tape for the strings but I wonder if they will be strong enough since it is only 1/4" tape so there's only 1/4" of stitching anchoring the tape. And even if it is strong enough, I imagine the weight is going to make those knots nearly impossible to untie for storage.

So here is my thought...

What if I replace the twill tape tie strings with wide strips of bengaline which close with strong hook-and-eye closures? Do you think this would improve the structural strength of the design?

You could sew the ties down for a few inches along their length, rather than just across their width. Alternatively, you could use a wider tape. To keep them from jamming, you could use an alternative knot (I like the sheet bend, myself) or tie bows or slip knots. It seems like you may want the adjustability that ties give over the shape of the bustle, which hook and eyes wouldn't provide.

That's a good point about adjustability. I've already replaced my tie strings with panels but I'm going to add a second row of eyes to allow some adjustment.

If you're using panels, you can lace them rather than hook them. That gives you all the adjustability you might want. Cut them somewhat less than half the width you want the bustle to be and put in gromets or eyelets every two or three inches.