Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.

ASCE
American Society of Civil Engineers

Air-Supported Structures
ASCE 17-96
 ASCE 17-96

American Society of Civil Engineers

Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.

Air-Supported Structures

Published by
•5c1e
~ 5
American society
of Civil Engineers

345 East 47th Street

New York, NY 10017-2398
 Abstract:

This Standard provides minimum criteria for the design and operation of air-supported
membrane structures whether independent of or attached to another structure. Specifically, it
discusses such topics as: 1) Materials and their properties; 2) building systems such as fire
protection; 3) design criteria; 4) erection and inflation; and 5) operation and maintenance.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.

American Society of Civil Engineers.

Air-supported structures I American Society of Civil Engineers.
p. cm.
"ASCE 17-96."
ISBN 0-7844-0116-0
1. Air-supported structures--Standards. I. Title.
TH1099.A425 1997 97-13560
624--dc21 CIP

Photocopies. Authorization to photocopy material for internal or personal use under

circumstances not falling within the fair use provisions of the Copyright Act is granted by ASCE
to libraries and other users registered with the Copyright Clearance Center (CCC) Transactional
Reporting Service, provided that the base fee of $4.00 per article plus $.50 per page is paid
directly to CCC, 222 Rosewood, Drive, Danvers, MA 01923. The identification for ASCE
Books is 0-7844-0116-0/97/$4.00 + $.50 per page. Requests for special permission or bulk
copying should be addressed to Permissions & Copyright Dept., ASCE.

Copyright © 1997 by the American Society of Civil Engineers,

All Rights Reserved.
Library of Congress Catalog Card No: 97-13560
ISBN 0-7844-0116-0
Manufactured in the United States of America.
 STANDARDS
In April 1980, the Board of Direction approved
ASCE Rules for Standards Committees to govern
the writing and maintenance of standards developed
by the Society. All such standards are developed
by a consensus standards process managed by
the Codes and Standards Activities Committee.
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.
The consensus process includes balloting by the
balanced standards committee, which is composed
of Society members and nonmembers, balloting by
the membership of ASCE as a whole, and balloting
by the public. All standards are updated or
reaffirmed by the same process at intervals not
exceeding five years.
The following Standards have been issued.
ANSl/ASCE 1-82 N-725 Guideline for Design
and Analysis of Nuclear Safety Related Earth
Structures
ANSl/ASCE 2-91 Measurement of Oxygen Transfer
in Clean Water
ANSl/ASCE 3-91 Standard for the Structural
Design of Composite Slabs and ANSl/ASCE
9-91 Standard Practice for the Construction
and Inspection of Composite Slabs
ANSl/ASCE 4-86 Seismic Analysis of Safety-
Related Nuclear Structures
ACI 530-95/ASCE 5-95/TMS402-95 Building
Code Requirements for Masonry Structures
ACI 530.1-95/ASCE 6-95/TMS602-95
Specifications for Masonry Structures
ANSl/ASCE 7-95 Minimum Design Loads for
Buildings and Other Structures
ANSl/ASCE 8-90 Specification for the Design
of Cold-Formed Stainless Steel Structural
Members
ANSl/ASCE 9-91 listed withASCE 3-91
ANSI/ASCE 10-90 Design of Latticed Steel
Transmission Structures
ANSI/ASCE 11-90 Guideline for Structural
Condition Assessment of Existing Buildings
ANSl/ASCE 12-91 Guideline for the Design of
Urban Subsurface Drainage
ASCE 13-93 Standard Guidelines for Installation
of Urban Subsurface Drainage
ASCE 14-93 Standard Guidelines for Operation and
Maintenance of Urban Subsurface Drainage
ASCE 15-93 Standard Practice for Direct Design of
Buried Precast Concrete Pipe Using Standard
Installations (SIDD)
ASCE 16-95 Standard for Load and Resistance
Factor Design (LRFD) of Engineered Wood
Construction
ASCE 17-96 Air-Supported Structures
ASCE 18-96 Standard Guidelines for In-Process
Oxygen Transfer Testing
ASCE 19-96 Structural Applications of Steel Cables
for Buildings
ASCE 20-96 Standard Guidelines for the Design
and Installation of Pile Foundations
ASCE 21-96 Automated People Mover Standards-
Part I
iii
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.
 FOREWORD
The material presented in this Standard has been
prepared in accordance with recognized engineering
principles. This Standard should not be used with-
out first securing competent advice with respect
to its suitability for any given application. The
publication of the material contained herein is not
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.
intended as a representation or warranty on the
part of the American Society of Civil Engineers,
or of any other person named herein, that this
information is suitable for any general or particular
use or promises freedom from infringement of any
patent or patents. Anyone making use of this
information assumes all liability from such use.
v
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.
 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The American Society of Civil Engineers
(ASCE) acknowledges the devoted efforts of the
Air-Supported Structures Standards Committee of
the Codes and Standards Activities Committee.
This group comprises individuals from many
backgrounds including: consulting engineering,
research, construction industry, education,
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.
This Standard was prepared through the
consensus standards process by balloting in
compliance with procedures of ASCE's Codes
and Standards Activities Committee. Those
individuals who serve on the Air-Supported
Structures Standards Committee are:

government, design, and private practice.

Tore 0. Arnesen Robert R. Mccluer

Frank Bradenburg Terry W. McLorg
Dale T. Cich Richard Morrison
Marcel Dery Paul S. Nowak
Michael C. Diliberto Rick Okawa
Michael G. Dillon Steven J. Osswald
John W. Dunn Paul Romain
Donato M. Fraioli George Reitmeier
Yasuzo Fukao Reinhold M. Schuster, Chair
Louis Geschwindner, Vice Chair Ronald E. Shaeffer, Secretary
Kris P. Hamilton Brian W. Smith
Andrew J asek Richard Storm
Ron Kinnius Richard A. Vognild
John W. Leonard Walter P. Zelasko

vii
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.
 Contents PAGE

STANDARDS ......................................................................... iii

FOREWORD .......................................................................... v
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ............................................................... vii

LO General ........................................................................... 1
1.1 Scope ...................................................................... 1
1.2 Definitions .................. , ................................................ 1
1.3 References. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........................................... 2
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.

2.0 Materials .......................................................................... 2

2.1 General ..................................................................... 2
2.2 Membrane ................................................................... 2
2.2.1 General .............................................................. 2
2.2.2 Physical properties ...................................................... 2
2.2.3 Fire performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............. 2
2.2.3.1 Membranes ................................................... 2
2.2.3.2 Membrane liners ............................................... 3
2.2.4 Fuel and occupancy loads ................................................. 3
2.3 Cables and Reinforcing ......................................................... 3
2.3.l General .............................................................. 3
2.3.2 Metallic cables ......................................................... 3
2.3.3 Nonmetallic cables and webs .............................................. 3
2.3.4 Nonmetallic reinforcing .................................................. 3
2.4 Membrane Seams ............................................................. 3
2.4.l Fabrication methods ..................................................... 3
2.4.2 Seam strength.......................................................... 3
2.5 Mechanical Joints ............................................................. 3

3.0 Building Systems ................................................................... 3

3.1 Notation .................................................................... 3
3.2 General ..................................................................... 3
3.3 Mechanical Systems ........................................................... 3
3.3.1 Inflation air supply equipment ............................................. 3
3.3.1.1 Inflation systems ............................................... 3
3.3.1.2 Air supply capacity ............................................. 3
3.3.1.3 Deflation ..................................................... 4
3.3.1.4 Fan requirements ............................................... 4
3.3.1.5 Ducting ...................................................... 4
3.3.2 Indoor air quality ....................................................... 4
3.3.3 Snow removal ......................................................... 4
3.4 Fire Protection ................................................................ 4
3.4.l Fire sprinklers ......................................................... 4
3.4.2 Fire detection .......................................................... 4
3.4.3 Smoke management ..................................................... 4
3.4.4 Fire sources ........................................................... 4
3.5 Entrances and Exits ............................................................ 4
3.5.1 General .............................................................. 4
3.5.2 Occupant, vehicle, and equipment access ..................................... 4
3.5.2.1 ............................................................... 4
3.5.2.2 ............................................................... 4
3.5.2.3 ............................................................... 4
3.5.2.4 ............................................................... 4
3.5.3 Occupant egress ........................................................ 5
3.5.3.1 ............................................................... 5

ix
 AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES

3.6 Plumbing Systems ............................................................. 5

3.6.1 General .............................................................. 5
3.6.2 Special plumbing provisions............................................... 5
3.7 Electrical Systems ............................................................. 5
3.7.l General .............................................................. 5
3.7.2 Lighting .............................................................. 5
3.7.3 Standby power ......................................................... 5
3.7.4 Lightning ............................................................. 5
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.

3.8 Control and Monitoring System ................................................... 5

3.8.l Automatic pressure control. ............................................... 5
3.8.2 Manual pressure control .................................................. 5
3.8.3 Control panel .......................................................... 5
3.8.4 Control system priorities ................................................. 5
3.8.5 Alarms ............................................................... 5

4.0 Design ........................................................................... 5

4.1 Notation .................................................................... 5
4.2 Loads ...................................................................... 5
4.2.1 General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... 5
4.2.2 Dead load ............................................................. 5
4.2.3 Internal pressure ........................................................ 6
4.2.3.1 ............................................................... 6
4.2.3.2 ............................................................... 6
4.2.3.3 ............................................................... 6
4.2.4 Snow load ............................................................ 6
4.2.4.1 Pressure method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...................... 6
4.2.4.2 Snow melt method ............................................... 6
4.2.4.3 Snow removal method ............................................ 6
4.2.4.4 Combined method ............................................... 6
4.2.5 Load combinations ...................................................... 6
4.2.5.1 ............................................................... 6
4.2.5.2 ............................................................... 6
4.2.5.3 ............................................................... 6
4.2.5.4 ............................................................... 6
4.3 Analysis and Design Requirements ................................................ 6
4.3.l Analysis .............................................................. 6
4.3.1.l Reinforced membrane ........................................... 7
4.3.1.2 Door frames ................................................... 7
4.3.2 Design requirements ..................................................... 7
4.3.2.l Strength requirements under factored loads ........................... 7
4.3.2.2 Strength requirements under sustained loading ......................... 7
4.3.2.3 Ponding ...................................................... 7
4.3.2.4 Clearance ..................................................... 7
4.3.2.5 Corrosion protection ............................................ 7
4.3.2.6 Deterioration .................................................. 7
4.4 Member Design Strengths ....................................................... 7
4.4.l Membrane ............................................................ 7
4.4.1.1 Uniaxial tension ................................................ 7
4.4.1.2 Biaxial tension ................................................. 7
4.4.1.3 Life-cycle factor ................................................ 7
4.4.2 Cables, joints, and seams ................................................. 7
4.4.2.1 Strength ...................................................... 7
4.4.2.2 Life-cycle factor ................................................ 7

x
 AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES

4.5 Anchorage and Foundation ...................................................... 8

4.5.1 General .............................................................. 8
4.5.2 Anchorage system ...................................................... 8
4.5.2.l ............................................................... 8
4.5.3 Anchorage forces ....................................................... 8
4.5.3.l ............................................................... 8
4.5.3.2 ............................................................... 8

5.0 Erection and Inflation ................................................................. 8

Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.

5.1 Erection ..................................................................... 8

5.2 Inflation ..................................................................... 8

6.0 Operation, Maintenance, Emergency Safety Procedures, and Systems ............................ 8

6.1 Acceptance .................................................................. 8
6.1.l ....................................................................... 8
6.1.2 ....................................................................... 9
6.1.3 ....................................................................... 9
6.1.4 ....................................................................... 9
6.1.5 ....................................................................... 9
6.1.6 ....................................................................... 9
6.1.7 ....................................................................... 9
6.1.8 ........................... ············ ................................ 9
6.2 Routine Testing and Maintenance ................................................. 9

Appendix A Special Provisions .......................................................... 10

A.l Membrane Use Limitations ..................................................... 10
A.I.I Purpose ............................................................. 10
A.1.2 Classes IA and IB, noncombustible membranes ............................... 10
A.1.3 Class IIA, limited combustible membranes .................................. 10
A.1.4 Class IIB, limited combustible membranes .................................. 10
A.1.5 Class III, combustible membranes ......................................... 10
A.2 Special Protection ............................................................ 10
A.2.1 Fire extinguishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
A.2.2 Standpipes ........................................................... 10
A.2.3 Sprinkler systems ..................................................... 10
A.2.4 Fire detection and alarm systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
A.2.4.1 ............................................................. 10
A.2.4.2 ............................................................. 10

Appendix B Anchorage Details ........................................................ 11-18

Commentary ....................................................................... 19-28

Commentary is numbered according to Chapter/Section numbering

Index ............................................................................... 29

xi
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.

1.0 General
1.1 Scope
This Standard provides minimum criteria for the
design and operation of air-supported membrane
structures whether independent of or attached to
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.
another structure.
This Standard does not apply to tents or air-
inflated (dual wall) structures where the occupied
space is not pressurized.
Air-supported structures shall comply with the
requirements of the applicable Building Code.
1.2 Definitions
The following definitions apply in this Standard.
Air Pressures
Design Maximum Internal Pressure: the greatest
pressure that the inflation system is capable of
developing within the structure.
Maximum Operating Pressure: the greatest
pressure permitted with immediate and continuous
supervision of the pressure control system.
Minimum Operating Pressure: the lowest pres-
sure at which the structure is designed to operate.
Normal Operating Pressure: the range of
operating pressures specified when special methods
are not necessary to accommodate unusual loads.
Residual Pressure: the pressure used to determine
the deflation index D;. This pressure is to be deter-
mined under the required design load combinations.
Air-supported structure: structure consisting
of a membrane that achieves and maintains its
shape and support by air pressure within the
occupied space.
Approved: approved by the authority having
jurisdiction.
Authority having jurisdiction: the organization,
political subdivision, office, or individual charged
with the responsibility of administering and enforc-
ing the provisions of this Standard.
Deflation index: a calculated value used to ensure
a margin of safety for emergency egress.
Design strength: the product of the nominal
strength and a resistance factor.
Fabrics
Coated fabric: a base fabric to which is bonded a
supplementary coating. The base fabric carries the
membrane stresses.
Laminated fabric: a flexible material composed
AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES
of superimposed layers firmly united by bonding or
impregnating with an adherent polymeric material
to one or more surfaces. One or more of these
layers is a textile fabric.
Factored load: the product of the nominal load
and a load factor.
Fan: an air-moving device, including axial,
centrifugal, or propeller fans or blowers.
Films: unreinforced flexible sheets made of a
single layer or laminated multiple layers of PVC,
polyethylene, or other materials.
Inflation system: all necessary components of a
mechanical system required for inflation and opera-
tion of an air-supported structure; this may include,
but is not limited to, fans, motors, back-draft
dampers, relief dampers, heaters (where required),
housings, ducts not fully contained in the pressur-
ized space, standby power, and controls.
Life-cycle factor: a factor which recognizes that the
strength of a material decreases with time because
of the effects of continuous loading, environmental
exposure, and aging.
Limit state: condition in which a structure or
component becomes unfit for service and is judged
either to be no longer useful for its intended
function (saviceability limit state) or to be
unsafe (strength limit state).
Load effects: forces and deformations produced in
structural members and components by the loads.
Load factor: a factor that accounts for unavoid-
able deviations of the actual load from the nominal
value, its statistical variation, and uncertainties
in the analysis that transform the load into a
load effect.
Loads: forces or other actions that affect structural
systems such as the weight of all materials, occu-
pants, and their possessions; internal pressure;
environmental effects; differential settlement;
and restrained dimensional changes.
Membrane: the pliable structural fabric or film of
the air-supported structure.
Membrane liner: an interior fabric or film used for
decorative, acoustical, thermal insulation, or other
nonstructural purpose.
Nominal loads: the loads as specified in ASCE 7.
Nominal strength: the capacity of a structure or
component to resist the effects of loads, as deter-
mined by computations using specified material
strengths and dimensions and formulas derived from
accepted principles of structural mechanics or by
field tests or laboratory tests of scaled models,
 AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCI1JRES
allowing for modeling effects and differences
between laboratory and field conditions.
Resistance factor: a factor that accounts for
unavoidable deviations of the actual strength from
the nominal value and the manner and consequences
of failure.
Strength design: a method of proportioning struc-
tural members using load factors and resistance
factors such that no applicable limit state is entered
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.
(also called load and resistance factor design).
Storm: a disturbance of the normal conditions of
the atmosphere. It is divided into four categories:
Hail storm: a storm that results in a fall of
transparent ice pellets, or of hard pellets consisting
of a mixture of snow and ice.
Rain storm: any rain that deposits 0.5 in. (13 mm)
or more of water in any 1 hour period or that deposits
0. 75 in. (19 mm) or more of water in any consecutive
24 hour period.
Snow storm: a storm that deposits 6 in.
(152 mm) or more of snow in any consecutive
24 hour period.
Wind storm: a storm in which winds of 45 MPH
(72 km/h) or more are experienced as defined in
ASCE7.
1.3 References
The following Standards are referred to in this
document.
ASCE 7-93 American Society of Civil Engineers,
Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other
Structures.
ASHRAE 51-1985 Laboratory Methods for Testing
Fans for Rating.
ASTM D 4851-88 Standard Test Methods for
Coated and Laminated Fabrics for Architectural
Use.
ASTM E 84-91a Standard Test Method for
Surface-Burning Characteristics of Building
Materials.
ASTM E 108-90 Standard Test Method for
Determining the Fire Retardancy of Roof
Covering Materials.
ASTM E 136-82 Standard Test Method for
Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace
at 750°C.
NFPA 37-1990 Installation and Use of Stationary
Combustion Engines and Gas Turbines.
NFPA 701-1989 Standard Methods of Fire Tests
for Flame-Resistant Textiles and Films.
NFPA 780-1992 Lightning Protection Code.
2
2.0 Materials
2.1 General
Materials used in air-supported structures shall
confonn to the requirements of Section 2 and shall
be tested by qualified testing agencies acceptable to
the authority having jurisdiction.
2.2 Membrane
2.2.1 General. Membranes for air-supported
structures shall be fabrics or films. When the mem-
brane is reinforced, the reinforcing shall comply
with Section 2.3.
Membrane materials shall be of uniform quality,
have the properties required for the intended usage,
and shall be free of defects that impair the structural
integrity or cause leakage of water, deterioration, or
other damage.
2.2.2 Physical properties. Membrane physical
properties shall be determined in accordance with
ASTM D 4851. A record of compliance shall be
maintained by the fabricator.
2.2.3 Fire performance.
2.2.3.J Membranes. Membranes for air-sup-
ported structures shall be classified according to
their fire performance characteristics as follows.
(a) Class IA: Noncombustible membranes
shall meet the requirements of NFPA 701 and
ASTM E 136. In addition, they shall attain a
flame spread index no greater than 25 and a smoke
development index no greater than 50 according to
ASTM E 84, and a class A rating according to
ASTME 108.
(b) Class IB: Noncombustible membranes
shall satisfy the requirements for Class IA mem-
branes except that a class B rating according to
ASTM E 108 shall be attained.
(c) Class IIA: Limited combustible mem-
branes shall meet the requirements of NFPA 701. In
addition they shall attain a flame spread index no
greater than 25 and a smoke development index no
greater than 450 according to ASTM E 84 and a
Class C rating according to ASTM E 108.
(d) Class IIB: Limited combustible mem-
branes shall meet the requirements ofNFPA 701
and shall attain a flame spread index no greater than
25 and a smoke development index no greater than
450 according to ASTM E 84.
(e) Class III: Combustible membranes are all
membranes that do not meet the requirements for
any other class.

2.2.3.2 Membrane liners. Membrane liners
shall be classified as in Section 2.2.3.1 but need not
meet the requirements of ASTM E 108.
2.2.4 Fuel and occupancy loads. Membranes
and membrane liners shall be used for air-supported
structures according to the classification given in
Sections 2.2.3.1 and 2.2.3.2, respectively, and shall
conform to the Building Code or the fuel and occu-
pancy limits given in Appendix A, if Appendix A is
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.
accepted by the authority having jurisdiction.
2.3 Cables and Reinforcing
2.3.1 General. When reinforcing of the mem-
brane or membrane liner is required, it shall consist
of either metallic or nonmetallic cables, or non-
metallic reinforcing.
2.3.2 Metallic cables. Strength and fire charac-
teristics of such cables shall be determined in
accordance with material standards approved by
the authority having jurisdiction.
2.3.3 Nonmetallic cables and webs. The
strength characteristics of such cables and webs
shall meet the requirements of Section 4 when such
characteristics are determined in accordance with
material standards approved by the authority having
jurisdiction. The fire performance characteristics
shall be equivalent to those of the membrane to
which the cables or webs are attached if loss of a
single cable or web element will initiate progressive
collapse.
2.3.4 Nonmetallic reinforcing. The strength and
fire performance characteristics of fabric reinforce-
ments of the membrane at ·stress points shall be in
accordance with Sections 2.2.2 and 2.2.3.
2.4 Membrane Seams
2.4.1 Fabrication methods. Membranes shall
be joined together by welding, sewing, cementing,
or any other method approved by the authority
having jurisdiction.
2.4.2 Seam strength. Membrane joints shall be
fabricated so that the seams meet the following
strength criteria.
(a) At 68°F (20°C) the joint shall resist a continuous
load equal to 200% of the maximum unfactored
load for a minimum of 4 hours; and
(b) At 158°F (70°C) the joint shall resist a con-
tinuous load equal to 100% of the maximum
unfactored load for a minimum of 4 hours.
2.5 Mechanical Joints
When a mechanical joint in the membrane or
membrane liner is required, the materials used shall
AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES
be noncorrosive or shall be treated and/or finished
to protect against corrosion.
Mechanical joints shall meet the strength criteria
of Sections 2.4.2(a) and 2.4.2(b).
3.0 Building Systems
3.1 Notation
The following notations apply
Ae = Equivalent leakage area of building as
designed with doors closed, ft2 (m2)
D; = Deflation index (dimensionless)
LA = Total air loss accounting for exiting, scfm
(sm3/s)
LE = Loss due to exiting at Pv. scfm (sm3/s)
LM = Supply air at Pv, scfm (sm 3/s)
LN = Normal operating loss at Pv, scfm (sm3/s)
N = Posted number of occupants
0
Pv = Residual pressure during exiting with doors
open, in. H20 (Pa)
V1 = Volume of air above 7.0 ft (2.1 m), ft3 (M3)
3.2 General
Ancillary systems and components used in the
construction of air-supported structures shall con-
form to the requirements of this section. Their eval-
uation shall be carried out by qualified testing agen-
cies approved by the authority having jurisdiction.
3.3 Mechanical Systems
3.3.1 Inflation air supply equipment
3.3.1.1 Inflation systems. Air-supported struc-
tures shall be provided with a sufficient quantity of
air-supply devices, including but not limited to fans,
drivers, and controllers, so that in the event of fail-
ure of one such device, the inflation system shall
have sufficient reserve capacity to maintain the
performance requirements of Section 3.3.1.2. The
system controls shall be interlocked so that transfer
to alternate air-S\lpply devices and standby power
required by Section 3.7.3 will occur automatically.
3.3.J.2 Air supply capacity. Each inflation
system shall have performance characteristics that
will provide the design range of operating pressures
in accordance with Section 4.2.3. In addition, each
system shall be capable of meeting the requirements
3
 AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES
for indoor air quality (Section 3.3.2) and smoke
management (Section 3.4.3). Required perfonnance
shall take into account the normal losses of air
pressure in all duct work, filters, heating and/or
cooling systems, dampers, louvers, grills, vents,
walls, roof membrane connection to anchorage
systems, roof membrane connection to openings,
and those due to the penneability of the membrane.
The maximum total pressure developed by each
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.
inflation system shall not exceed the design maxi-
mum internal pressure.
3.3. I .3 Deflation. The inflation system capac-
ity of structures that could deflate below a height
of 7.0 ft (2.1 m) shall be designed to maintain a
deflation index Di, of not less than 1.0.
The deflation index shall be determined as
follows.
Di = 0.05 V1 ; [in S.I. 0.0008 V1 ]
LA LA
where LA is the total air loss accounting for exiting,
given by
where
LN = 2610Ae(Pv)0·5; [in S.I. 0.839Ae(Pv)0·5]
LE = 115N0 (Pv) 0·5; [in S.I. 0.0563(Pv)0.5]
3.3.1.4 Fan requirements. Fans in both the
primary inflation and emergency inflation systems
shall meet the following requirements.
(a) Fan performance shall be determined in
accordance with ASHRAE 51;
(b) Fan selection shall be based on stable
operation throughout the entire range of
required operating conditions;
(c) Fan drivers shall be rated for continuous duty;
(d) Fan inlets, outlets, and drive elements shall
be protected in accordance with OSHA
Regulations;
(e) Fans and their associated drivers shall be
suitable for the environment to which they
are exposed; and
(f) Fans shall be equipped with back draft
dampers or spring-loaded motor driven
dampers that fail to the closed position
(to prevent air pressure loss) when the
fans are not in operation.
3.3.I.5 Ducting. Duct work shall be support-
ed and protected from weather, seismic, and impact
damage. The air intake to fan units shall be located
so as to ensure protection against blockage due to
accumulating or blowing snow, ice, flooding,' or
4
debris and to avoid the intake of toxic fumes, nox-
ious fumes, and smoke.
3.3.2 Indoor air quality. The ventilation system
shall be designed to prevent harmful concentrations
of known contaminants within the building.
3.3.3 Snow removal. Snow melting systems
shall be designed in accordance with 4.2.4.2.
3.4 Fire Protection
Fire protection shall meet the following require-
ments and shall conform to the building code or the
requirements of Appendix A, if Appendix A is
accepted by the authority having jurisdiction.
3.4.1 Fire sprinklers. If an automatic sprinkler
system is required in an air-supported structure, the
fire protection of the membrane and liner shall not
be required for that portion of the structure which is
more than 25 ft (7 .6 m) above a combustible surface.
3.4.2 Fire detection. If fire and smoke detection
systems and fire alarm systems are installed, they
shall not cause the inflation equipment to stop
operating but shall alert the operator.
3.4.3 Smoke management When required by
the Building Code, a smoke management system
shall be designed, installed, and maintained in
accordance with the requirements of the authority
having jurisdiction.
3.4.4 Fire sources. Unless shielded, the use of
open-flame devices shall not be permitted within
25 ft (7.6 m) of the membrane or membrane liner.
3.5 Entrances and Exits
3.5.1 General. Door frames and opening
arrangements shall be designed to withstand the
load combinations of Section 4.2 without failure or
permanent deformation. Doors shall be functional at
the maximum operating pressure.
3.5.2 Occupant, vehicle, and equipment access
3.5.2.l Occupant entrance shall be provided
through noncollapsible revolving doors or airlocks
with pressure-balanced doors.
3.5.2.2 Vehicles and equipment shall enter
through nonswinging doors or pressure-balanced
doors. When an airlock is used, it shall be large
enough to accommodate the single largest vehicle or
piece of equipment normally anticipated to enter
and exit the building. Both airlock doors shall be
electrically interlocked to prevent both doors from
being open at the same time.
3.5.2.3 All doors shall be equipped with
vision panels.
3.5.2.4 Where both doors in an airlock are
not visible from the point of entry into the airlock,

signs and warning lights shall be required to indi-
cate the status of the unobserved door.
3.5.3 Occupant egress
3.5.3.I Exits shall meet the requirements of
the applicable Building Code and utilize pressure-
balanced, self-closing doors.
3.6 Plumbing Systems
3.6.1 General. Plumbing systems shall be in
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.
accordance with the Plumbing Code.
3.6.2 Special plumbing provisions. Drainage
systems shall be designed to maintain a trap under
the maximum operating pressure.
3.7 Electrical Systems
3.7.1 General. Electrical systems shall be in
accordance with the Electrical Code.
3.7.2 Lighting. Clearances of light standards
and fixtures shall be provided in accordance with
Section 4.3.2.4.
3.7.3 Standby power. The inflation system shall
be served by at least two sources of power, one of
which shall be an approved standby power system
complying with the Electrical Code or one using
internal combustion engines installed in accordance
with NFPA 37.
Ground mounted structures adjunct to a single-
family residential use, when a deflation index of not
less than 1.0 is maintained by other approved
means, shall be permitted to use a single source
of power without a standby power system.
3.7.4 Lightning. Lightning protection shall be in
accordance with NFPA 780.
3.8 Control and Monitoring System
3.8.1 Automatic pressure control. Automatic
static pressure control which is capable of maintain-
ing the required operating pressures shall be pro-
vided to maintain structural stability in response
to design loads and operating conditions.
3.8.2 Manual pressure control. A means to
manually adjust the internal static pressure shall be
provided in an approved location in addition to the
automatic means required by Section 3.8.1.
3.8.3 Control panel. A control panel shall be pro-
vided that supplies the operator with all information
and control functions required for safe operation.
3.8.4 Control system priorities. Internal static
pressure control shall take priority over space
conditioning in the design of the control system.
3.8.5 Alarms. Alarms shall be incorporated
into the system to alert the operator of abnormal
conditions.
AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES
4.0 Design
4.1 Notation
The following notations apply.
An =Net area
Cbw = Stress factor for warp direction
Cbf = Stress factor for fill direction
D =Dead load
E = Earthquake load
Fu = Ultimate tensile strength of cable
Lr = Roof live load
Lr = Life-cycle factor
Pm = Maximum internal design pressure
Po = Operating pressure for loading condition
specified
R =Rain load
S =Snow load
Tr = Design tensile strength of structural element
TJJ = Tensile force in fill direction due to factored
loads
Tftn = Tensile force in either warp or fill direction
due to factored loads
Tfw = Tensile force in warp direction due to
factored loads
Tsb = Nominal tensile strength of web
Tst = Nominal tensile strength of membrane in fill
direction
Tsj = Nominal tensile strength of joint
Tsm = Nominal tensile strength of membrane in
either warp or fill direction
Tsw = Nominal tensile strength of membrane in
warp direction
W =Wind load
<I> = Resistance factor (phi)
4.2 Loads
4.2.l General. The specified loads shall be
determined in accordance with the Building Code.
In the absence of the specified loads in the Building
Code, the specified loads shall be determined in
accordance with ASCE 7. Provision shall be made
for loads imposed on air-supported structures during
erection or dismantling.
4.2.2 Dead load. The design dead load for an
air-supported structure shall consist of:
(a) The weight of the membrane;
(b) The weight of reinforcement and joining
systems; and ·
5
 AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES
(c) The weight of fixed service equipment, such
as lights, speakers, ducts, liners, insulation,
and the like, if supported by the membrane
or reinforcement.
4.2.3 Internal Pressure
4.2.3.1 Internal pressure shall be taken as part
of the load-resisting system of an air-supported
structure. In addition, it shall be considered as a
load on the structure.
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.
4.2.3.2 The magnitude of operating pressures
shall be established and accounted for in the design
to ensure strength and stability under each loading
condition.
4.2.3.3 The magnitude of the design maxi-
mum internal pressure shall be established to
limit inflation system capacity so as to protect
the membrane.
4.2.4 Snow Load. Snow loads shall be accom-
modated by internal pressure, snow melting, snow
removal, or a combination of these methods.
4.2.4.1 Pressure method. If the snow load is
to be supported by the internal air pressure method,
the pressure shall be increased to equal or exceed
the load effect in accordance with the load combina-
tions of Section 4.2.5.
4.2.4.2 Snow melt method. If a snow melting
system is used, it shall be designed considering the
maximum probable snow accumulation rate and
drifting ratios.
4.2.4.3 Snow removal method. Snow removal
methods include but are not limited to water spray,
vibrating the structure, scraping with ropes passed
over the structure, and shoveling. Where it is not
necessary for a person to be on the membrane,
removal may be the primary method. If a person
must be on the membrane to perform snow removal
it shall not be the primary method.
4.2.4.4 Combined method. When a portion of
the specified snow load is to be melted or removed,
the remainder of the snow shall be carried by the
pressure method. In this case, the reduced snow
load shall replace the specified load in the load
combination of Section 4.2.5.
4.2.5 Load combinations
4.2.5.1 Load combinations shall be deter-
mined in accordance with ASCE 7 as modified in
Section 4.2.5.3 to account for the unique aspects
of internal pressure as both load and resistance.
4.2.5.2 The appropriate load combinations
shall be applied to the structure in the inflated,
partially inflated, deflated, and displaced con-
figurations.
4.2.5.3 Air-supported structures shall be
designed for the following load combinations.
6
l.4D- l.0Po
0.9D- l.6Po
1.2D + (0.2 Lr or l.6S or l.6R) - I.OPo
l.2D + 1.3W + (0.lLr or O.SS or 0.5R) - I.OPo
0.9D - 1.3 W + (0. lLr or O.SS or 0.5R) - 1.6Po
0.9D- 1.3W- l.IPm
1.2D + I.OE - I.OPo
0.9D- I.OE - l.6Po
4.2.5.4 Any other load combination
that might produce a critical condition shall be
accounted for in accordance with ASCE 7.
4.3 Analysis and Design Requirements
The design tensile strength Tr of every element
of the structure as defined in Section 4.4 shall be
greater than or equal to the design load effect as
determined through analysis for the most critical
load combinations defined in Section 4.2.5.
4.3.1 Analysis. A rational method of analysis
shall be used to determine the load effect on each
element. All analysis and design shall give appropri-
ate attention to behavior due to the effects of large
deflection nonlinearities and nonlinear material
properties. Analysis methods that mathematically
take into account the nonlinear relationships of
applied load to member force and deformation shall
be used in any of the following instances.
(a) Calculated deformation from the operating
condition under applied loads, as determined
by using linear analysis or empirical design
assumptions, is more than one-half of the
clearance between the membrane and/or
reinforcing and any fixed object that will be
damaged by or cause damage to the mem-
brane and/or reinforcing.
(b) The least clear span of the structure or span
in the direction of the primary reinforcing,
whichever is smaller, is greater than 200 ft
(61 m).
(c) The least span in the direction of the primary
reinforcing is greater than 100 ft (30 m) and
the ratio of rise to span is greater than 0.6.
(d) Where primary reinforcing of the membrane
is in one direction only, and irregularities in
the span, shape, or loading of any reinforcing
member causes significantly different behav-
ior than in adjacent members.
(e) The structure has primary reinforcing mem-
bers arranged to distribute loads from any
intersection to any two or more reinforcing
members, and the arrangement is such that

the detennination of load distribution among
the members is dependent upon the relative
total stiffness of the members.
4.3.1.l Reinforced membrane. For reinforced
membranes, analysis shall take into consideration
the potential for differential movement between
membrane and reinforcement.
4.3.1.2 Door frames. Door frames shall be
designed for the effect of loads due to failure of the
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.
membrane and/or anchorage.
4.3.2 Design Requirements. Air-supported
structures shall be designed considering both
strength and serviceability.
4.3.2.1 Strength requirements under factored
loads. Membranes, cables, and anchorages shall
be proportioned to resist forces resulting from the
most critical of the load combinations specified in
Section 4.2.5.
4.3.2.2 Strength requirements under sustained
loading. Membranes shall be designed to resist the
effects of sustained loading such as inflation and
dead load, accounting for the creep characteristics
of the membrane and other structural materials.
4.3.2.3 Ponding. The effects of ponding shall
be accounted for, without the active intervention of
the operator, in the design of air-supported structures.
4.3.2.4 Clearance. Clearance in the unde-
flected configuration shall be maintained between
the membrane and objects inside or outside the air-
supported structure. This clearance shall be at least
twice the calculated deflection under service loads
and the corresponding operating pressure.
4.3.2.5 Corrosion protection. Metal structural
components shall be designed so that the safety of
the structure is not adversely affected by corrosion.
4.3.2.6 Deterioration. For the detennination
of the resistance of the structural elements, deterio-
ration of the materials over the design life of the
structure shall be accounted for by establishing
an appropriate life-cycle factor Lt, as specified in
Section 4.4.
4.4 Member Design Strengths
4.4.1 Membrane. Nominal tensile strengths
Tsb• Tsf• Tsj; Tsm• and Tsw shall be detennined in
accordance with Section 2.2.2.
4.4.1.1 Uniaxial tension. The design tensile
strength Tr, developed by a membrane in uniaxial
tension, in the direction under consideration, shall
be calculated as follows.
where $ =0.5.
. AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES
4.4.1.2 Biaxial tension. Membranes required
to resist tensile forces in two orthogonal axes shall
be proportioned as follows.
and
Tr = $ Lt Tst <!: TJJ
where $ = 0.5.
4.4.1.3 Life-cycle factor. For membranes that
retain at least 90% of their initial design strength
over their intended lifespan and which are used in
permanent structures not subjected to repeated han-
dling, Lt shall be taken as 0.65. When initial design
strength retention is below 90%, L1 shall be reduced
linearly to reflect this. The value of L1 for a mem-
brane subjected to repeated handling shall be
selected as appropriate for the material but shall
not exceed 0.50.
Design strength for membrane materials shall
be detennined by the strip tensile method described
in ASTM D 4851.
Membrane materials intended to be subjected
to repeated handling shall be tested by the dry flex-
fold method of ASTM D 4851.
4.4.2 Cables, joints, and seams
4.4.2.l Strength. The design tensile strength
Tr. developed by cables, web, joints, and seams,
shall be calculated as follows.
(a) Cables
Tr= $ L, An Fu
where $ =0.6.
(b) Webs
Tr= $ Lt Tsb
where$ =0.5.
(c) Joints and Seams
Tr=$LtTsj
where $ =0.5.
4.4.2.2 Life-cycle factor
(a) The life-cycle factor for protected steel cables
shall be taken as 1.0 unless the environmental
conditions warrant the use of a lower value.
For nonmetallic cables, L, shall be taken as
0.4 unless it is shown through approved tests
that another value is acceptable.
(b) For all webs, L1 shall be taken as 0.8 unless it
is shown through approved tests that another
value is acceptable.
7
 AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES

(c) For components other than membrane in 5.0 Erection and Inflation
mechanical joints, Lt shall be taken as 1.0.
The value of Lt for membranes in mechanical
joints and in seams shall not exceed that
permitted in Section 4.4.1.3 for heat-sealed 5.1 Erection
seams and shall be taken as 60% of the value
in Section 4.4.1.3, unless it is shown through Erection of air-supported structures shall com-
approved tests that another value is acceptable mence only after:
for sewn seams. (a) Critical dimensions for the anchor system,
equipment locations, and building attachments
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.

have been checked and verified by the parties

4.5 Anchorage and Foundation
4.5.1 General. The anchorage systems and
foundations shall be designed in accordance with
the requirements of the authority having jurisdic-
tion. The design engineer of the air-supported
structure shall provide separate unfactored reactions
for each load case utilized in the design of the
structure.
4.5.2 Anchorage system. An anchorage system
shall be provided to securely anchor the membrane,
cables, and webs to the ground or to other structural
elements.
4.5.2.1 Anchoring shall be provided continu-
ously or at intermittent points around the perimeter.
Anchorage shall be designed to distribute individual
anchor loads uniformly to the envelope so as to
prevent excessive stress concentrations in the
membrane especially as the membrane flexes
under load. Particular attention shall be given to
avoiding sharp edges or snags that could damage
the membrane.
4.5.3 Anchorage forces.
4.5.3.1 To meet the strength requirements of
this Standard, the design strength Tr of the anchor-
age system shall be calculated as follows
T, = <I> Su
where Su is the ultimate strength of the anchorage or
anchorage component. The value of the resistance
factor <I> shall be as required by the appropriate
design standard.
4.5.3.2 The anchorage system for elevated
(not ground-mounted) structures shall also be
designed for gravity loads, including ponding,
in the inverted configuration. Particular attention
shall be given to avoiding sharp edges or snags
that could damage the membrane.
involved and accepted by the authority having
jurisdiction.
(b) An agreement has been reached among the
parties involved on the overall plan for the
erection of the structure, the protection of the
structure during erection, the estimated time
for erection, and the weather suitability
during that time.
5.2 Inflation
Inflation shall commence only after the systems
described in Chapter 3 for proper functioning of the
completed structure are operational.
6.0 Operation, Maintenance,
Emergency Safety Procedures,
and Systems
6.1 Acceptance
The following shall be provided to the owner
prior to occupancy.
6.1.1 Statement of design conditions shall
include:
(a) Normal operating pressure and calculated air
losses at that pressure.
(b) Maximum operating pressure, calculated
losses, and installed inflation system capacity.
(c) Procedures for responding to hail, rain, snow,
and wind storms.
(d) Design snow-removal system heating capacity
and utilization procedures if applicable.
(e) Detailed description of the anticipated
behavior of the membrane/system under
normal and storm conditions.

8

6.1.2 Certification of conformity of material and
equipment.
(a) Capacity/performance information on the
specific inflation equipment, including
manufacturers' pressure-flow curves for fans,
drivers, and other equipment, as appropriate.
(b) Material test information showing conformity
with requirements of Section 2.
6.1.3 Routine and emergency operation and
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.
maintenance manuals for the structure.
6.1.4 A list of recommended operating and
maintenance parts and supplies.
6.1.5 Operating and maintenance manuals and
instructions for all mechanical and electrical
systems and associated components provided.
6.1.6 Testing of the inflation systems shall
include:
(a) Flow test to confirm that losses are less than
or equal to design values.
AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES
(b) Test to ensure that maximum static pressure
will not exceed the design maximum internal
pressure.
(c) Confirmation that the pressure control systems
perform as designed.
6.1.7 Testing of the snow removal system, if
applicable, shall include a heat capacity test.
6.1.8 Testing of the emergency back-up system(s)
for operation and capacity, shall include:
(a) Automatic operation on pressure decay and
low pressure.
(b) Automatic operation of over pressure relief
system, if applicable.
6.2 Routine Testing and Maintenance
Routine testing and maintenance shall be per-
formed to ensure continued safe performance of
the structure.
9
 AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES
APPENDIX A
Special Provisions
This appendix pertains to air-supported structures
only and is not intended as a replacement for a com-
prehensive building code.
The following standards are referred to in this
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.
appendix.
NFPA 10-1990 Portable Fire Extinguishers.
NFPA 13-1994 Installation of Sprinkler Systems.
NFPA 14-1993 Installation of Standpipe and
Hose Systems.
NFPA 72-1993 National Fire Alarm Code.
A.1 Membrane Use Limitations
A.1.1 Purpose. The purpose of this appendix is
to provide maximum limits on the fuel load and
heat of combustion of materials contained within
air-supported structures. The provisions also limit
occupant loads based on the classification of the
membrane used in such structures.
A.1.2 Classes IA and IB, noncombustible
membranes. Air-supported structures using
Classes IA and IB membranes shall confonn to
the occupancy group and construction type require-
ments of the applicable Building Code, regardless
of fuel or occupancy loads.
A.1.3 Class IIA, limited combustible
membranes. Air-supported structures using Class
IIA membranes shall meet one of the following
requirements.
(a) The fuel load of the structure's contents does
not exceed 5 lbs/ft2 (24.4 kg/m2) of materials
having a heat of combustion of 8,000 Btu/lb
(18,600 kJ/kg) and the occupant load does not
exceed 600 persons; or
(b) The fuel load of the structure's contents does
not exceed 15 lbs/ft2 (73.2 kg/m2) of materials
having a heat of combustion of 8,000 Btu/lb
(18,600 kJ/kg) and the occupant load does
not exceed 300 persons.
A.1.4 Class IIB, limited combustible
membranes. Air-supported structures using
10
Class IIB membranes shall meet one of the follow-
ing requirements.
(a) The fuel load of the structure's contents does
not exceed 5 lbs/ft2 (24.4 kg/m2) of materials
having a heat of combustion of 8,000 Btu/lb
( 18,600 kJ/kg) and the occupant load does not
exceed 300 persons; or
(b) The fire load of the structure's contents does
not exceed 15 lbs/ft2 (73.2 kg/m2) of materials
having a heat of combustion of 8,000 Btu/lb
(18,600 kJ/kg) and the occupant load does not
exceed 50 persons.
A.1.5 Class m, combustible membranes.
Air-supported structures using Class III membranes
shall be limited to agricultural uses not open to the
public such as but not limited to greenhouses and
aquaculture.
A.2 Special Protection
A.2.1 Fire extinguishers. Fire extinguishers
shall be provided in quantities, sizes, types,
and locations as required by the Fire Code and
NFPA 10.
A.2.2 Standpipes. Air-supported membrane
structures having an occupant load greater than 50
but less than 300 persons shall be provided with a
Class II standpipe system. When the occupant load
is 300 or more persons, it shall be provided with a
Class III standpipe system. Standpipe systems shall
comply with NFPA 14.
A.2.3 Sprinkler systems. Sprinkler systems
shall comply with NFPA 13.
A.2.4 Fire Detection and Alarm Systems.
A.2.4.1 An air-supported membrane structure
having an occupant load of 300 or more persons
shall be equipped with a total coverage fire detec-
tion and alann system complying with NFPA 72.
A.2.4.2 Air-supported structures having an
occupant load of 300 or more persons shall have a
trained operator of the inflation system on duty at
an approved location during occupancy.
 AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES

APPENDIX B
Anchorage Details
This Appendix is for information only and is not
a mandatory part of this Standard.
Anchorage details are provided solely to demon-
strate typical methods of anchorage, as contem-
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.
plated in the provisions of this Standard, and for use
in interpretation and application of this Standard.
Anchorage details intended to be covered by this
Standard are not limited to those depicted, nor are
these details represented as being appropriate for
any specific application.

TYPICAL DETAILS FOR AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES

NOTES
1. This appendix is not a mandatory part of this Standard.
2. The details shown are for reference only.
3. All drawings courtesy of Birdair, Inc.

8.1 DETAILS FOR GROUND-MOUNTED STRUCTURES:

Airlock Entry/Exit Membrane Perimeter Attachment

(Fig. B.1.8) (Fig. B.1.5)

Fig. 8.1.1 · Nonreinforced Ground-Mounted Air-Supported Structure

Catenary Reinforcing Membrane Perimeter Attachment

(Fig. B.1.7) (Fig. B.1.5)
Reinforcing Attachment Airlock Entry/Exit
(Fig. B.1.6) (Fig. B.1.8)

Fig. 8.1.2 : Reinforced Ground-Mounted Air-Supported Structure

11
 AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES

-------1--Seam width as req'd. by calculations

(generally 2 inches (5 cm))
RF-sealed or heat bonded.
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.

Fig. 8.1.3 Typical Seam

Bolt, nut, & lock washer

(generally stainless steel)

Membrane
Rope edge (Typ.)

Gasket (generally Membrane

Neoprene or EPDM)
Clamp Bars
(generally aluminum)

Fig. B.1.4 Typical Mechanical Joint (Sectionalizing)

Membrane

Membrane Liner Steel Angle

(if applicable)

Height varies
i ·. ·-.
r:s•: ··. • 0.

·· ~ Anchor Bolt
(for permanent installation)
Removable Expansion Anchor
(for temporary installation)

Fig. 8.1.5 Typical Membrane Perimeter Attachment

12
 AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES

~
Reinf. cable w/thimble Reinf. cable w/thimble
& swaged sleeve end Membrane & swaged sleeve end
Membrane lin
(it applicabl Anchor shackle
Steel g
plate assy.-;:::;~~
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.

Bent strap or
rod embedded Removable
Concrete expansion
foundation in concrete
Concrete anchors (typ.)
foundation

Fig. 8.1.6a Permanent Reinf. Fig. B.1.6b Temporary or Seasonal

Attachment Reinf. Attachment

Screw
Anchor

Fig. 8.1.6c Alternate Types of Reinforcing Anchorage for Temporary Use

Fig. B.1.6 Attachment Of Reinforcing

13
 AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES

Fabric
Catenory Reinf.
Coble Catenory
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.

Cable Cuff

ELEVATION SECTION D- D

Fig. 8.1. 7 Catenary Reinforcing

Air-Supported Fabric Transition

Structure ~--._, Shroud

Vehicle Airlock

Steel Doors At Each '1J /

End Of Airlock :.'.'.____/

Fig. 8.1.8 Airlock Entry/Exit

14
 AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES

8.2 DETAILS FOR ELEVATED STRUCTURES:

Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.

Cable Attachment Membrane Perimeter

(Fig. B.2.5) Attachment (Fig. B.2.4)
Mechanical Joint
Fabric Seam (Fig. B.2.3)
(Fig. B.2.2)

Fig. 8.2.1 · Elevated Air-Supported Structure

15
 AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES

Fabric seam width as required by calculations

(Generally 3 inches (75 mm)) heat bonded

1· ·1 [ Pm coated fiberglass
membrane (Typ.)

FEPtope~
')
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.

Fig. 8.2.2 Typical Seam

Rope Edge (Typ.) Intermittent Plate

Clamping Plate
Fastener (Typ.) (Typ.)

Gaskets (Typ.)
Membrane

Steel coble (Generally galvanized

structuol strand)

NOTES
1. All fasteners are generally stainless steel.
2. All plates are generally aluminum.
3. All gaskets are generally neoprene or EPDM.

Fig. 8.2.3 : Mechanical Joint (Sectionalizing)

16
 AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES

Stud (Drill and top into base plate) with

flat washer, lock washer and nut

Clomp bar
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.

. .4 ..

• • • <I •
. A ~

Concrete Curb Adhesive bonded anchor

NOTES
1. All fasteners ore generally stainless steel.
2. All plates ore generally aluminum.
3. All gaskets are generally neoprene or EPDM.

Fig. 8.2.4 · Typical Membrane Perimeter Attachment

17
 Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.

18
Fabric

Cable
AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES

Fig. 8.2.5 · Typical Cable Attachment

""P'~·
.
. ."-<1
·~

. ...,
Concrete Curb

COMMENTARY
This Commentary is not a part of the ASCE
Standard for Air-Supported Structures. It is included
for information purposes.
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.
C1 .0 General
Cl.1 Scope
This Commentary consists of supplementary
material with the intention of helping the user of the
Standard to better understand the provisions of the
Air-Supported Structures Standard. The sections of
this Commentary are numbered to correspond to the
sections of the Standard to which they refer. Since it
is not necessary to have supplementary material for
every section in the Standard, there are sections in
this Commentary for which no text is provided.
When reference is made in the Standard to the
applicable building code, this is intended to refer
to the locally adopted building code which may be
one of the model building codes or one locally
developed.
Cl.2 Definitions
Air-supported structure operating pressures may
vary predicated on weather, occupancy, and other
conditions. This has led to several definitions to
assist the operator of the structure in accommodat-
ing these conditions and to ensure the safety of the
building and its occupants.
It is not uncommon for large structures to have
an operating pressure for normal operations and
other operating pressures to accommodate environ-
mental loading conditions or to reduce the fabric
tension for maintenance purposes. The pressure
control system should be capable of unattended
automatic operation in the range from the normal
operating pressure to the maximum operating pres-
sure. Operations outside that pressure range should
be by an attending control systems operator.
Air Pressures
Design Maximum Internal Pressure: the maxi-
mum pressure for which the systems are to be
designed. This pressure is to be determined by
the designer or manufacturer.
Maximum Operating Pressure: the upper pres-
sure limit that the designer intends the operator
to utilize in accommodating adverse environmental
AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES
loading conditions such as inverted membrane
position due to water ponding.
Minimum Operating Pressure: the lowest operat-
ing pressure below which the structure will become
unstable during normal weather conditions and nor-
mal door operations. Pressure operations between
this level and the normal operating pressure should
be conducted with the operator present at the con-
trol panel.
Normal Operating Pressure: the designer will
specify a pressure, or range of pressures, that
provides for a stable roof system during the pre-
ponderance of loading conditions and occupancy.
Residual Pressure: the designer will establish
the pressure for the deflation index calculation
considering the various service load conditions
for the structure.
Approved: Unless specifically stated in this
Standard, the requirement of approved equipment
or methods refers to the approval of the authority
having jurisdiction.
Coated Fabric: The supplementary coating
normally gives protection to the base fabric and
confers air-tightness.
Life-Cycle Factor: The performance of the
material used for the membrane of an air-supported
structure may be affected by exposure to normal
environmental conditions consistent with its in-use
application. The life-cycle factor established by
the Standard is intended to account for this change
from the design stage, so that the expected nominal
strength will exceed the factored loads at the con-
clusion of the design life. The life-cycle factor
may be thought of as L 1 = strength at date/strength
at installation.
Limit States: Air-supported structures are to
be designed according to the limit states design
approach as specified in ASCE 7. The limit states
to be evaluated for this type of structure are speci-
fied in this Standard.
Loads: Loads identified in ASCE 7 are to be used
in the design of air-supported structures just as they
would be used in the design of conventional struc-
tures. Special care should be given, however, for the
inclusion of unusual loads that would not normally
be of concern for conventional structures, such as
inflation.
Storm: Since air-supported structures are particu-
larly susceptible to the changing environmental
conditions associated with storms, special consider-
19
 AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES
ation must be given to the local conditions during
unusual weather occurrences.
Cl.3 References
The following references are not cited in the
Standard; however, they may be of interest to the
user of this Standard. They are provided for the
information of the user. Their listing here does not
imply any degree of endorsement.
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.
ANSI/ASHRAE 62-1989 Ventilation for Acceptable
Indoor Air Quality.
ASTM D 751-89 Methods of Testing Coated
Fabrics.
NFPA 90A-1993 lnstallation of Air Conditioning
and Ventilating Systems.
NFPA 92B-1991 Guide for Smoke Management
Systems in Malls, Atria, and La.rge Enclosed
Spaces.
C2.0 Materials
C2.1 General
Unlike many traditional building materials, some
products used in air-supported structures require
testing procedures that are beyond the physical
capabilities of most traditional testing agencies that
normally service the construction industry. Many of
these products do not lend themselves to ordinary
"labeling" methods commonly employed for mass-
produced building products. Therefore, it is impor-
tant at the outset to prequalify potential testing
agencies in order to ensure that the test information
vital to the proper design can be fully relied upon
and that the authority having jurisdiction concurs
with their suitability and reputation.
C2.2 Membrane
C2.2.l General. Aside from aesthetic con-
cerns, the uniformity of the membrane material
properties is of vital importance for serviceability
of the structure. It must be noted, however, that the
inherent thinness of membranes creates a unique
tolerance dichotomy. A measurable deviation that
would be entirely insignificant in traditional struc-
tural elements could lead to catastrophic conse-
quences in a membrane structure. Yet, on the other
hand, as a percentage of thickness, deviations can
be tolerated that would be unthinkable in other
building materials.
20
C2.2.2 Physical properties. It is imperative that
the material be tested in accordance with ASTM
D-4851. It is also prudent that the designer and
specifier be knowledgeable about the contents of the
cited test methods so they can make informed judg-
ments regarding the suitability of a given material
based on its reported values and test results.
Testing the membrane by ASTM D-4851 will
validate important physical properties that are used
to design and engineer the air-supported structure.
These tests include, but are not limited to, tensile
strength and fire resistance. The tensile strength of a
material is the force required to break a piece of the
material in two. This property is an important factor
when designing air-supported structures to with-
stand load requirements. The tear strength of the
membrane is the force required to tear the material.
This property is important in the handling of the
material. The flame resistance of a material is an
important property when determining the choice of
material for the design application.
A copy of the records of compliance should be
maintained by the designer and specifier. Section 6
states that such records shall be delivered to the
owner of the structure as a condition of acceptance.
It is likely that the authority having jurisdiction will
require a copy as will the operator if different from
the owner. Since these reports can be somewhat
voluminous, consideration should be given as to
how many copies will ultimately be needed and the
specifications should be written so as to require the
delivery of an adequate number regardless of the
normal demands found in specifications relative to
product data submittals.
C2.2.3 Fire performance. The term "fire perfor-
mance characteristics" may be unfamiliar terminol-
ogy to many. It is more appropriate than the more
familiar term "fire resistance." Membranes and
membrane liners have very limited, if any, ability to
"resist" fire penetration in the traditional sense.
There is an array of standards being used to classify
membrane "performance" under various types of
"attack" by fire. The importance of understanding
the implications of each test protocol is vital for less
traditional products. This is especially true in evalu-
ating the reasoning behind the limitations found in
Appendix A of this Standard. This is the basis for its
use as an alternate to the common building code
requirements.
C2.2.3.J Membranes. Membranes for air-
supported structures have been classified into five
groups based on four fire performance tests. These
tests are NFPA 701, ASTM E-136, ASTM E-84, and
ASTM E-108. Membranes that are classified as

Class IA or Class IB exhibit very good fire perfor-
mance. These materials are typically PTFE-coated
fiberglass, and are traditionally used for large build-
ings with high occupancy. Membranes that are clas-
sified as Class IIA or Class IIB exhibit good fire
performance. These materials are typically flame-
retardant PVC-coated polyester and are used in a
variety of buildings with low occupancy. Membranes
that are classified as Class m exhibit poor fire per-
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.
formance. These materials are typically PVC-coated
polyester or nonreinforced films and are used in
storage buildings with very low occupancy.
C2.2.3.2 Membrane liners. Membrane liners
use similar material to that of membranes and are
classified as in 2.2.3.l. A membrane liner is often
used to provide insulation and occasionally to con-
vey heated air to the exterior membrane for the pur-
pose of melting snow.
C2.2.4 Fuel and occupancy loads. Where a
building code has been legally adopted, it is the law
and must be followed. There are three situations
that exist. First, where there is no legally adopted
code, Appendix A is recommended for use. Second,
in many places where there exists a legally adopted
building code, it may not contain a methodology
for dealing with air-supported membrane structures.
In this case Appendix A can be examined by the
authority having jurisdiction as an acceptable alter-
native. And lastly, where codes are in place that pro-
vide for regulation of such structures, they may do
so as a patchwork addendum to provisions that were
historically generated to deal with traditional build-
ing materials. Appendix A is intended to recognize
the uniqueness of air-supported structures that are
inherently incapable of "containing" a fire. There-
fore, lateral protection of adjacent property must be
accomplished either by distance or hardening of the
adjacent property against exposure. Some of these
structures are better at resisting penetration by fly-
ing embers or brands than others and, hence, better
at protecting the occupants or contents from such
exposures. With concerns such as these in mind, the
provisions of Appendix A were constructed to place
limits according to strengths.
Class IA and Class IB materials essentially func-
tion as would a traditional roof and therefore con-
form to the common provisions of the building
code. The only obvious limitation on their use
would be in the instance where the breach by an
internal fire would expose unprotected property to
either side, if used as a ground-supported structure
and thus forming "walls," or above if unprotected
property were somehow located above or immedi-
ately to the side and above.
AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES
Class IIA and Class IIB materials are limited
based on a balance of issues. First, the more protec-
tion provided from flying sources of fire, the more
people or goods are allowed within. Second, the
higher the occupant load, the more the limitations
on stored combustible contents. A careful exami-
nation of these provisions reveals that the intent
is to limit the contents allowed and to establish
limits on the quantities of materials to levels that
are well below those found in most ordinary build-
ing uses.
Class ill materials are limited to occupancies
that are intended to be well away from adjacent
exposures and to be occupied only by those few
who use them in the course of their work.
C2.3 Cables and Reinforcing
There are a number of methods used to reinforce
the membranes of air-supported structures. Among
the more common are cables, both steel and non-
metallic, and materials similar to the membrane
itself. Whether to reinforce an opening in the mem-
brane or to support the structure, these materials
must be examined for their mechanical properties
to function as reinforcing and their physical proper-
ties to satisfy the same needs that are met by the
membrane.
C2.4 Membrane Seams
There is a variety of methods to form a seam
in membrane materials and similarly to join mem-
branes to either themselves or to other materials.
In each case, whether a proprietary seam process, a
mechanical joint, or some other method, the strength
required of the membrane by the structure's design
must be adequately transferred through the seam or
joint. Where this cannot be verified by a rational
analysis of the mechanics, it must be established by
adequate testing. The seam should have appropriate
strength to ensure that it is not the weak link in the
overall integrity of the structure.
C2.4.1 Fabrication methods. Fabrication meth-
ods include heat sealing, high-frequency welding,
sewing, or cementing. The most common method of
putting two pieces of membrane together are an
overlap seam that is heat sealed or high frequency
welded.
C2.4.2 Seam strength. In addition to the nor-
mally measured tensile strength of a seam, the long-
term behavior is of equal importance. This property
is usually evaluated at room temperature and ele-
vated temperature.
21
 AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES
C2.5 Mechanical Joints
Mechanical joints are a necessary part of an air-
supported structure. They are required, if nothing
else, to attach the membrane to the foundations or
other structural elements. Mechanical joints should
be designed in such a manner that the membrane
is the weakest part of the attachment. Due consider-
ation should be given to corrosion arising from bi-
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.
metallic contact at the interface between dissimilar
metals.
C3.0 Building Systems
C3.2 General
Unlike traditional structures, air-supported struc-
tures require the active participation of the mechani-
cal and electrical systems to remain erect and stable.
Therefore, these systems must be subject to testing
and approval that would otherwise be ignored by
the structural designer alone or the authority having
jurisdiction.
C3.3 Mechanical Systems
C3.3.l Inflation air supply equipment
C3.3.l.l Inflation systems. Redundancy in
the inflation system is necessary. In larger structures
where a number of systems exist, this redundancy
can be accomplished by means other than simply
doubling everything. As long as an adequate num-
ber of elements are arranged so as to transfer their
required function to other elements of sufficient
capacity, the need for redundancy can often be
accomplished with only a small percentage increase
of the total system elements. Designations between
primary and emergency systems may be rotated
from time to time to balance wear and tear on the
systems.
C3.3.l .2 Air supply capacity. Assurance must
be obtained that the fans will provide the necessary
quantities of air at the necessary static pressures
for all of the varying loading conditions but with-
out over pressuring the structure at their ultimate
capacity. In applying the manufacturer's data, it is
important for the designer to understand the test
conditions used and how to interpret them relative
to the designed installation.
C3.3.l.3 Deflation. Deflation of an air-sup-
ported structure may be expected under emergency
exiting conditions. In order to properly account for
the time that this deflation will take, calculations
22
should be made to determine a measure of the time
available for evacuation.
To determine if exit capacity is adequate, a
conservative estimate of the time necessary for a
structure to deflate to an average height of 7 ft
(2.1 m) is required. If the deflation index equals or
exceeds 1.0, egress time is adequate for most com-
mon structures.
Deflation index Di is defined by the formula:
Di= 0.05 V1
LA
which has been normalized to an egress time of 20
minutes.
The volume over 7 ft (2.1 m) high may be
approximated by taking 2/3 of the length times the
width times the height and subtracting the length
times the width times 7 ft (2.1 m).
Since air loss varies with internal and external
pressures and the pressure will drop when the exits
are opened, the normal operating pressure loss and
pressure loss occurring through the doors is to be
calculated using the appropriate residual pressure
for the emergency conditions. The door area
through which the pressure loss is calculated is
based on the number of occupants N0 , code required
total width of opening at 0.2 in. (5.1 mm) per per-
son, an average exit opening height of 84 in. (213
mm), and the portion of the area not obstructed by a
person exiting taken as 12 ft2/21 ft2 • Thus,
LE = 2610Ap(PD)0·5
and
Ap = N (0.2)(84.0)(12/21)(1/144)
0
= 0.067 N 0 •
Example: assume the following for this example
N0 = 300
Size (ft): 120 x 300 x 40
PD = 0.5 in. wg
LN = 4,383 cfm at 0.5 in. wg
LM = 15,000 cfm at 0.5 in. wg
and
LE = 175(300)(0.5)0.S
= 37,123 cfm
V1 = (120 x 300 x 40 x 0.67) - (120 x 300 x 7)
= 712,800 ft3
so that

Di = (0.05)(712,800)
(4,384 + 37,123 - 15,000)
=1.34.
Since the calculated deflation index is greater than
1.0, sufficient egress time is provided.
C3.3.l.4 Fan requirements. The suitability,
durability, and stability of fans are of primary
importance in air-supported structures. The fans
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.
must have relatively large stable operating
envelopes. The fans must be capable of running
continuously. The driver must be carefully specified
to perform continuously at all of the necessary
ranges of speed or brake horsepower and under all
environmental conditions. The fans must also be
arranged to prevent entry of foreign objects and to
minimize the chance of personal injury. When shut
off they must have provisions to limit the backward
escape of air from the structure.
C3.3.l.5 Ducting. Since the structure depends
upon a reliable source of air to stay up, the duct
work must be arranged to convey air and be pro-
tected from both damage and blockage. Since the
system is running continuously it is imperative that
the duct inlets be located such that they will not
draw in fumes or odors that would render the inte-
rior air either unsafe or unpleasant for the occupants.
Smoke detectors should be arranged to alarm
an attendant in order to permit operators to take
appropriate corrective action. Detector installation
should comply with NFPA 90A-1993.
C3.3.2 Indoor air quality. Unlike many con-
ventional structures which can naturally "breathe"
or which can be opened up to ventilate a short-term
event within them, air-supported structures rely on
a continuously operating mechanical air supply to
stay erect. Therefore, the quality of that air becomes
of paramount importance to the health and comfort
of the occupants. The ASHRAE Standard 62 pro-
vides both the designer and the operator information
on how to accommodate this issue.
C3.3.3 Snow removal. In areas where snowfall
is likely, the prompt and adequate removal of
the snow from the membrane is vital. Inadequate
attention to this can and has led to catastrophic
results.
C3.4 Fire Protection
Air-supported structures provide a unique fire
challenge. While on the one hand, using Appendix
A, they provide a fire hazard far below that of
conventional buildings in common use, a fire within
an air-supported structure, if allowed to persist,
AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES
presents potentially serious problems quite unlike
those of conventional structures.
Since the ceiling geometry of an air-supported
structure is usually well above any combustible
materials and since the membrane system is usually
not suitable for the suspension of a conventional
sprinkler system, emphasis must be placed on
assured early detection and personnel response. This
line of thinking forms the basis of the requirements
for adequate fire extinguishers (NFPA 14), fire and
smoke detection (NFPA 72), and the exceptions to
sprinklers (NFPA 13) under certain conditions.
If smoke detectors are installed in air handlers,
they should annunciate an alarm condition, but not
shut down any portion of the inflation system. The
reasoning for this should be self-evident, since any
interruption of the inflation system is a precursor to
structural collapse.
As the number of occupants increases, the impor-
tance of having trained staff present similarly
increases.
Smoke management within air-supported struc-
tures is a significant engineering challenge. The
design of such systems within these structures
should only be undertaken by engineers who are
fully aware of the principle and rationale behind
the guidelines stated in NFPA 92B.
C3.5 Entrances and Exits
C3.5.1 General. Portals for entry or exit of air-
supported structures constitute one of the major
sources of air leakage from the facility. Special care
must be exercised in the design of these elements to
ensure that they function under a variety of compet-
ing demands. For normal use they must be arranged
to minimize air loss by use of revolving doors or
airlock approaches.
Since the pressures developed can exert signifi-
cant force on the door leaf, vision panels or other
means to prevent injury to persons on the low
pressure side of the door must be incorporated.
For emergency use, the number, width, and
arrangement of exits must be maintained. Often
this will require special pressure-balanced doors
and careful consideration of the air supply capacity
when the doors are open. Under emergency condi-
tions it cannot be assumed that "controlled" flow of
pedestrians can be maintained.
Finally, of course, the structure must comply with
the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities
Act. This compliance can affect interior doors as
well as exterior doors.
Multiple problems are associated with access and
egress of a pressurized facility. Problems include
23
 AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES
high velocity air movement over the person result-
ing in imbalance, difficulty of movement, disarray
of clothing and hair, danger of explosive action of
doors, difficulty of opening doors, and increased
maintenance requirements.
Doors and opening equipment are to be capable
of functioning and withstanding the maximum dif-
ferential pressure to which they may be exposed
under all pressure operating conditions.
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.
Door frames should be designed in accordance
with Section 4.3.1.2 and should be connected to the
membrane in such a way as to permit the structure
to flex under load without inducing high stresses or
fatigue in the membrane adjacent to the door frames.
C3.5.2. Occupant, vehicle, and equipment
access. Door frames connected to the membrane are
normally used for ground-mounted air-supported
structures.
C3.5.2.l Pressure-balanced doors and
revolving doors reduce the danger of "explosive"
opening action and also reduce the prospect of a
door remaining open in spite of a strong closer
spring when compared to the action of a butt-
hinged door.
C3.5.2.3 A vision panel allows occupants to
determine whether the second door of an airlock
may be open and thus delay opening the first door
to reduce the prospect of applying full building
pressure differential across an airlock with both
doors concurrently open.
C3.5.2.4 A comprehensive method of warn-
ing a door user that an unobservable door in the air-
lock is open should be provided. Methods to avoid
the problems associated with inner and outer doors
of an airlock being simultaneously open should be
provided.
C3.6 Plumbing Systems
The plumbing systems, in particular the drainage
system, must be examined as a potential major air-
loss path. Trap seals must be maintained and must
be of sufficient depth to ensure a positive air seal to
the system.
C3.7 Electrical Systems
C3.7.2 Lighting. Protection of the membrane
from damage by contact with supports of any kind,
including those supporting lights, must be provided.
Furthermore, as the structure deflates, lights sup-
ported from it must be arranged so as to pose no
safety or fire hazard as they descend.
C3.7.3 Standby power. A source of standby
power is required in order to ensure that the fans
24
will continue to operate during times of interruption
of the normal power source. This can be accom-
plished in a number of satisfactory ways, including
emergency generators or engine-driven fans.
The standby power and fan engine(s) are to
accommodate failure of the motive power source for
the roof support system. Power must be available to
drive the support fan(s), sustain the control system,
and operate other equipment critical to the protec-
tion of the occupants and the facility.
This system could be classified as an emergency
power system provided it is energized to accommo-
date other systems in terms of capacity and initia-
tion time.
C3.8 Control and Monitoring System
The degree of sophistication required for the
pressure control system of air-supported structures
should be consistent with the size and scope of the
total structure. The cost of a suitable system for a
major stadium could easily exceed the total cost of a
small warehouse or agricultural structure. In some
applications, collapse of the structure may be inci-
dental and acceptable and in other cases it could be
catastrophic to life and/or property. The designer
and local authority are expected to exercise judg-
ment in rendering a decision appropriate to the situ-
ation. For related information, the discussion of
pressures found in Section 1.2 will be useful.
C4.0 Design
C4.2 Loads
C4.2.1 General. Special attention should be
given to loading during construction and inflation
since the membrane is quite unstable at these times.
It must be recognized that air-supported struc-
tures with unusual geometric shapes, response char-
acteristics, or site locations for which channelling
effects or buffeting in the wake of upwind obstruc-
tions may exist, may warrant special consideration.
In case no reliable documentation pertaining to
wind effects is available in the literature, experi-
mental procedures are recommended for ascertain-
ing wind loads. The wind pressure and force coeffi-
cients can be determined by tests.
When loads not specifically accounted for in this
Standard occur in the design of an air-supported
structure, they must be accounted for according to
ASCE-7.

C4.2.2 Dead load. The dead load of the mem-
brane and reinforcing is usually a small part of the
total load. The collapse time of the structure is
affected by the dead load of the membrane.
C4.2.3 Internal pressure. Inflation load is
unique to air-supported structures; it must be
considered as a load, in conjunction with all other
loads. In addition, it is a variable property of the
structure, which can be used to add stiffness and
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.
strength to the structure, in response to environ-
mental loads.
C4.2.3.J Operating pressures may vary
between the maximum operating pressure and the
minimum operating pressure, depending on the
specific loads to be resisted.
C4.2.3.2 The minimum operating pressure
should, in most cases, be selected to exceed the
maximum unit area dead load, when dead load
is averaged over some tributary area. A suitable
tributary area would be a square portion of the
fabric panel, with sides equal to the typical cable
spacing. The margin by which this unit area dead
load is exceeded is arbitrary, but typical values are
1.5 to 2.0 psf. Operators may allow pressures to
drop below these values for temporary conditions
such as truck exiting. Under no conditions should
operating pressure be less than the dead load of any
major segment of the roof.
The normal operating pressure varies from
the minimum operating pressure to the maximum
operating pressure which is consistent with use,
exiting, and entering the facility. A public assembly
facility generally will avoid exceeding 6.0 psf, for
reasons of comfort and to reduce wind velocities
and pressures at doors. Facilities that are used pri-
marily for storage may maintain higher pressure
during truck entering/exiting to not cause structural
instability.
The maximum operating pressure determina-
tion must consider several issues, including struc-
tural strengths available to the designer and type
of environmental load considered for the analysis.
C4.2.3.3 In response to wind, the internal
pressure is generally increased, to increase the
stiffness of the roof structure. The amount of
increase for any particular wind speed is limited.
Since for most air-structure shapes, the wind
pressure is negative over the majority of the
surface, the wind pressure plus maximum operating
pressure in the appropriate load combination
must not exceed the available resistance. The
calculated forces in membrane and cables or webs
should remain in tension so as to avoid structural
instability and excessive motions, insofar as possi-
. AIR·SUPPORTED STRUCTURES
ble without violating the above in some other area
of the structure.
In very high wind conditions, operating
pressures in low-profile air-structures (where wind
pressure is negative over the entire surface) are
generally lower than those used to resist moderately
strong winds.
In response to snow, operating pressure is also
increased. Snow loads act against the operating
pressure, reducing stresses in portions of the struc-
ture. Thus, internal pressure can be used to carry
some of the snow load directly, balancing the pres-
sure increase against the weight of the snow.
However, it must be assumed that a portion of the
roof will be free of snow. The limit on internal pres-
sure then becomes the maximum internal pressure
acceptable on the fabric, when combined with what-
ever wind is assumed to occur simultaneously with
the snow.
The internal design pressure is set to limit
the deformations, vibration, wrinkling, and forma-
tion of depressions on the membrane surface under
design loads.
C4.2.4 Snow load. Accommodating snov.. on an
air-supported structure is often provided for differ-
ently than for conventional structures. Whereas con-
ventional structures are designed to carry a specified
snow load, the air-supported structure may be
designed for snow removal as a regular maintenance
condition.
Manually removing the snow from the outer sur-
face of the membrane before it is allowed to accu-
mulate can be accomplished by a system of ropes or
ropes and paddles that can be pulled across the sur-
face to dislodge any snow. It may also be removed
by washing the outer surface of the roof with warm
water. When removal is chosen as a design option,
appropriate provisions must be made for safe access
to the roof surface.
C4.2.4.J Pressure method. This approach is
normally suitable only for minimal snow loads since
the pressure required to counteract the snow load
may lead to excessive membrane stresses and forces
on access equipment and can result in instability
due to wind action. Thus, it may not always be
practical to increase internal pressure to counteract
the snow accumulations and it may be necessary to
plan for snow melting or snow removal as stated in
Section 4.2.4.3.
C4.2.4.2 Snow melt method. Snow may be
removed through the introduction of heat. This heat
can be introduced either by tubes/cells which direct
heat to specific locations or by space heating the
entire interior. The total interior heating required for
25
 AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES
the structure must account for the number of
square feet of surface area upon which melting
will take place, the heat lost by conduction/con-
vection through other parts of the membrane, and
the heat lost with inflation air leakage from the
structure.
C4.2.4.3 Snow removal method. When snow
load is handled through a combination of removal
and pressure, the snow that is not removed must be
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.
used as a load in the design of the membrane and
the inflation system.
C4.2.5 Load combinations. The load combina-
tions specified in this Standard have been taken
from ASCE-7 and have been modified for the
special conditions associated with the design and
operation of air-supported structures. This includes
the incorporation of the design maximum internal
pressure and the specific operation pressure for the
specified loading condition. It is important to
remember that internal pressure works both as a
load, when it puts tension in the membrane, and as
resistance, when it holds up the membrane. Both
cases must be properly considered.
C4.3 Analysis and Design Requirements
C4.3.1 Analysis. The analysis of air-supported
structures includes form analysis and load response
analysis. The form analysis shall consider the
deformed shape of the membrane. Load response
analysis is generally complex, due to large deforma-
tions, anisotropy, and nonlinearity of membrane
materials.
C4.3.J.J Reinforced membrane. Structures
that exhibit movement between the membrane and
the reinforcing must be analyzed to account for this
movement since it will influence the forces in both
the membrane and the reinforcing.
C4.3.J.2 Door frames. The doorway must be
designed independently of the membrane so as to
be unaffected by the deformation of the membrane.
The membrane around doorways must be attached
to allow deformation so that there is minimal
stress concentration in the membrane surrounding
the door.
C4.3.2 Design requirement.;;
C4.3.2.J Strength requirements under fac-
tored loads. Load combinations have been estab-
lished to account for the dual influence of inflation
pressure as both load and resistance.
Deflections in air-supported structures may be
large when compared to those in conventional struc-
tures. High winds produce movement of the struc-
ture and deflections that may be quite significant.
Large deflections are undesirable from structural
26
and functional considerations and can be partially
controlled by internal pressure of the structure.
C4.3.2.3 Ponding. As a result of the poten-
tially large deformations of an air-supported roof, it
is possible that ponding may occur during an unat-
tended period of operation. Therefore, it is impera-
tive that the automatic operation of the structure is
able to accommodate this load.
C4.3.2.4 Clearance. To prevent puncture or
abrasion of the fabric material, lights, equipment, or
other materials must not be placed or stored close to
the inner envelope. Particular care shall be taken to
assure that no unprotected sharp comers of objects
can come in contact with the envelope.
C4.3.2.5 Corrosion protection. Metallic
elements of the structure may be in contact with
environmental conditions that would cause corro-
sion of these elements. Care must be taken to con-
trol corrosion so that there is no negative impact
on the integrity of the structure.
C4.3.2.6 Deterioration. Deterioration of the
strength of a membrane material depends on the
material being used. It is also a function of the
environmental condition to which the material is
exposed during its service life, including exposure
to ultraviolet and other electromagnetic radiation,
temperature variation, humidity, and so on.
C4.4 Member Resistance
C4.4.1 Membrane. The breaking strength of the
membrane is used in the Standard as a measure of
the capacity of the membrane material.
C4.4.l.3 Life-cycle factor. Life-cycle factors
are established to account for the changes over time
of the strengths of the various materials used in an
air-supported structure.
It is important to note that the accelerated
aging methods referenced in ASTM 4851 may
not fully characterize the true effects of real-time
weathering and aging over the lifespan of the
structure. The designer must be satisfied that all
factors associated with the real-time aging and
weathering of the membrane have been properly
identified and evaluated in determining the correct
life-cycle factor by consulting with the membrane
material manufacturer.
C4.4.2.2 Life-cycle factor. Heat-sealed seams
for both PTFE-coated fiberglass and PVC-coated
polyester fabrics have been demonstrated to develop
the full breaking strength of the membrane. Sewn
seams have been shown to develop 60 to 90% of
the membrane capacity. Based on the seam con-
struction, care should be taken to establish an
appropriate life-cycle factor.

C4.S Anchorage and Foundation
C4.5.1 General. The engineer of record shall
design the attachments to the foundation system, the
foundation system itself, and any other attendant
rigid structures.
C4.5.2 Anchorage systeni. The selection of an
anchorage system depends on whether the installa-
tion is temporary, semipennanent, or permanent.
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.
'JYpical anchorage details are illustrated in
Appendix B.
C4.5.3 Anchorage forces. An additional load
consideration, for both the engineer of record and
the engineer representing the manufacturer, for the
design of the air-supported structure is the creep
of the foundation system. A foundation system
subjected to tension or uplift loads has potential
for both short- and long-tenn creep. This can
result in additional unanticipated loads on the
air-supported structure and foundation system.
Careful attention must be given to the design
of all anchorage components for the entire air-
supported structure.
C5.0 Erection and Inflation
CS.1 Erection
It is general practice for the general contractor
of record who is under contract with the owner to
assume the responsibility for preparing the site to
accept the air-supported structure. Coordination
among the various trades under the direction of the
contractor is essential. The air-structure manufac-
turer has the task and responsibility to provide the
basic engineering services for proper site prepara-
tion, including on-site technical assistance for the
final erection of the building envelope.
CS.2 Inflation. Inflation is one of the most criti-
cal times in the life of an air-supported structure.
It is imperative that all of the necessary systems
are in operation prior to the initiation of inflation.
AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES
C6.0 Operation, Maintenance,
Emergency Safety Procedures,
and Systems
C6.1 Acceptance
Although air-supported structures are not uncom-
mon, the probability of an owner having prior oper-
ating experience with such a structure is low. It is
therefore incumbent upon a knowledgeable party to
provide the owner/operator with appropriate infor-
mation to permit safe and economic operation and
maintenance of the facility.
C6.2 Routine Testing and Maintenance
Since the structure is a dynamic system, it is
important to test and demonstrate the functional
capabilities of the support system prior to transfer
of operation to the owner.
Commentary Appendix A
Special Provisions
The material presented in this appendix repre-
sents a radical departure from traditional building
fire protection approaches. This is necessitated by
the radically different nature of air-supported struc-
tures. Its justification is grounded in an appeal to
logic based on the hazards presented.
Traditional building types have their exterior
wall and roof fire resistive elements driven by four
concerns.
One is the concern for interior fires developing
to a point where their breach of the exterior enve-
lope becomes a threat to neighboring structures.
Traditionally, this problem is resolved by fire resis-
tive assemblies that contain the fire to within; by
fire suppression systems that either limit fire growth
or accomplish extinguishment; or by separation dis-
tances that limit the threat when and if the fire does
breach the exterior elements.
Another concern is providing exit time for occu-
pants within and, to a lesser extent, property protec-
tion of the contents. Traditionally, these are accom-
plished by fire resistive interior assemblies such as
walls, exit corridors, and fire suppression systems.
Yet another concern is for structural stability dur-
ing the fire, which is necessary for exiting, property
protection, and safe fire fighting operations.
27
 AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES
Finally, there is the concern for exterior fire
threats breaching the structure itself. This has tradi-
tionally been resolved in a fashion similar to the
first expressed concern.
With the exception of Class IA and IB non-
combustible membranes, these traditional methods
cannot be met, except for separation distances.
Therefore, what the material in this appendix
attempts to do is look at the fire threat and establish
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.
reasonable rules for the use of other class mem-
branes, which in many instances are the only ones
practical for the type and use of the structure.
The reasoning essentially looks at three condi-
tions simultaneously. These are fuel load, fuel
"capacity," and occupant load. It is reasoned that
if you have a small amount of fuel, with heat of
combustion similar to wood, then the risk to a
larger number of occupants is similar to the risk
for a larger amount of woodlike fuel to a fewer
28
number of occupants. The determination of the
number of occupants is assumed to be established
by traditional examination of the structure's use.
Another arguably important set of concerns
regarding the fuel contents is best described as rate
of fire growth. This depends on the exact nature of
the fuel, the physical arrangement of the fuel pack-
age, and the flame spread characteristics of the fuel
in that arrangement. These problems are extraordi-
narily difficult to deal with in general terms since
they require specific knowledge of the particular
circumstances. It was, therefore, reasoned that the
general approach described above was adequately
conservative until the number of occupants began to
exceed 50. At that point, additional fire protection
features were deemed to be appropriate to be
required. Again, these requirements continue to
grow in parallel with the increase in the number of
occupants.
 Index
A Erection 8, 27
Airlocks 4, 14, 24
Air pressures l , 19-20 F
Air supply capacity; of inffation systems 3-4, 22 Fabrics l , 19, 21
Air-supported structures 19; acceptance 8, 27; Factored load 1, 26
access 4-5, 24; anchorage and foundations 8, 11- Fans 1, 4, 22, 23
18, 27; building systems 3-5, 22-24; Films 1
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.

certification 9; control and monitoring Fire detection 4, 10

systems 5, 24; defined 1; deflation 4, 22-23; Fire extinguishers 10
design 5-8, 24-27; electrical systems Fire performance; membranes 2-3, 10, 20-21, 28
5, 24; erection 8, 27; fire threat 27-28; Fire protection; ceiling 23; detection 4, 1O; exit time
inflation 1, 3-4, 8, 22-23, 27; joints 3, 7-8, 16, 27; exits 23; materials 2-3, 10, 20-21, 28;
22; loads 1, 5-6, 19, 21, 24-26; materials 2-3, smoke 4, 23; sprinklers 4, 10
20-22, 28; mechanical systems 3-4, 22-23; Fire sprinklers 4, 10
operation and maintenance 9, 27; plumbing Flame resistance 20
systems 5, 24; reinforcing 3, 13, 14, 21; Foundation 8, 27
safety 27-28; seams 3, 7, 12, 16, 21, 26; Fuel load 21 , 28
standards 1O; structural analysis 6-7, 26;
testing and maintenance 9, 20, 21, 27 H
Alarm systems 5, 10 Hail storms 2
Anchorage forces 8, 27
Anchorage systems 8, 11-18, 27 I
Automatic pressure control 5 Indoor air quality 4, 23
Inflation systems 8, 27; defined 1; deflation 4, 22-
B 23; ducting 4, 23; equipment 3-4; fans 1, 4, 22,
Biaxial tension 7 23; redundancy 22
Building systems 3-5, 22-24 Internal pressure 6, 25

c J
Cables; attachment 18; materials 21; reinforcing 3; Joints. See Mechanical joints
tensile strength 7-8
Clearance 7, 26 L
Coated fabric 1, 19, 21 Laminated fabric 1
Combustible mel'T\branes 2, 10 Lif~ycle factor 1, 7-8, 19, 26
Control and monitoring systems 5, 24 Lighting 5, 24
Control panel 5 Lightning protection 5
Corrosion protection 7, 26 Limited combustible membranes 2, 10
Lim it states 19
D Load combinations 6, 26
Dead load 5-6, 25 Load effects 1
Deflation 4, 22-23 Load factor 1
Deflation index 1, 4, 22-23 Loads 5, 19, 24; combinations 6, 26; dead load 5-
Design 5-8, 24-27 6, 25; defined 1; factored loads 1, 26; fuel loads
Design maximum internal pressure 1, 19 21; internal pressure 6; nominal load 1; occupan-
Design strength 1, 7, 8 cy load 21, 28; snow load 6, 25; wind load 24-
Design tensile strength 6, 7 26
Deterioration 7, 26
Doors 4, 24, 26 M
Ducting 4, 23 Maintenance 9, 27
Manual pressure control 5
E Maximum operating pressure 1, 19, 25
Electrical systems 5, 24 Mechanical joints; design 22; illustrations 12, 16;
Electric power; standby 5, 9, 24 materials 3; strength 3, 7
Emergency procedures; exit time 27; exits 23 Mechanical systems 3-4, 22-23
Entrances and exits 4, 23-24 Member design strength 7

29
 Member resistance 26-27 Residual pressure l , 19
Membrane joints. See Mechanical joints Resistance factor 2
Membrane liners 1, 3, 21
Membrane seams; fabrication methods 3, 21; illustra- s
tions 12, 16; strength 3, 7, 21, 26 Safety; fire safety 27-28; ponding 7, 26; smoke 4,
Membranes 7, 20; defined 1; fire performance 2-3, 23; snow 4, 6, 9, 25-26. See also Fire protection
10, 20-21; materials 2; physical properties 2, Seams. See Membrane seams
20, 26; reinforced 26; tensile strength 7; use limi- Seam strength 3, 21
tations 10 Serviceability limit state 1
Metallic cables 3 Smoke management 4, 23
Downloaded from ascelibrary.org by University of Cincinnati on 01/04/16. Copyright ASCE. For personal use only; all rights reserved.

Minimum operating pressure 1, 19, 25 Snow load 6, 25

Monitoring systems. See Control and monitoring sys- Snow removal 23; methods 4, 6, 25-26; testing 9
tems Snow storms 2
Sprinkler systems 4, 10
N Standby power 5
Nominal loads Standpipes 10
Nominal strength 1-2 Storms 2, 19-20
Nominal tensile strength 7 Strength; anchorage system 8; membrane joints 3, 7;
Noncombustible membranes 2, 10 membrane tensile strength 7
Nonmetallic cables 3 Strength design 2
Nonmetallic reinforcing 3 Strength limit state 1
Normal operating pressure 1, 19, 25 Structural analysis 6, 26

0 T
Occupancy load 21, 28 Tear strength 20
Tensile strength 20
p Testing 9, 20, 21, 27
Plumbing systems 5, 24
Ponding 7, 26 u
Pressure control 5 Uniaxial tension 7

R w
Rain storms 2 Webs 3, 7-8
Reinforced membranes 26 Wind 2, 24-26
Reinforcement; anchorage systems 13, 14; materials Wind storms 2
3, 21

30