Pneumatic Structures

VIVIAN LAWRENCE SEQUEIRA

Pneumatic Structures

 A membrane structure that is supported by internal

air pressure, similar to a balloon

 The components of a pneumatic structure consist of

a membrane, supporting cables, and anchorage
system and an HVAC system.

 The membrane and cables are in tension, making

this a type of tensile structure.
 Pneumatic structures can be used as long span roofing or as individual
structures (usually temporary).

 The components of a pneumatic structure are

 Membrane
 Cable System
 Anchorage and Connection/Foundation
 Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) System
Features
 Extremely lightweight and can cover large spans – Low foundation cost when used as a
roofing system. Weight of the structure doesn’t exceed 3 kg/m2 even for spans over 100 m.
 Quick erection and dismantling - sq km of area can be covered in 10 hours and the structure
can be dismantled in 6 hours.
 Since the structure is supported by air and has a very light weight, theoretically there is no
limitation on the span – Most cost effective buildings for long spans.
 An air pressure of 0.08 – 0.13 atm is sufficient to support the structure, which doesn’t cause
discomfort to humans.
 Tensairity – Compression elements supported by pneumatic elements to create lightweight
structural elements with a high load carrying capacity.
Types
 Air-supported structures consist of a single
membrane supported by an internal air pressure
slightly higher than normal atmospheric pressure,
and securely anchored and sealed along the
perimeter to prevent leaking. Air locks are required
at entrances to maintain the internal air pressure.

 Air-inflated structures are supported by

pressurized air within inflated building elements.
These elements are shaped to carry loads in a
traditional manner, while the enclosed volume of
building air remains at normal atmospheric
pressure. The tendency for a double-membrane
structure to bulge in the middle is restrained by a
compression ring or by internal ties or diaphragms.
Membrane
 Usually many large pieces that are seamed together by sealing, heat bonding or
mechanical jointing.
 These seams should overlap by several inches in order to prevent the loss of air, take the
load from the internal air pressure as well as outside forces such as natural weather
conditions.
 The membrane material should be lightweight, easily transportable and resistant to external
elements like wind or snow.
 Commonly used materials are Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Polytetrofluoroethylene
(PTFE), or silicon coated fiberglass, ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene).
 Translucency, acoustics, behaviour at extreme temperatures, recyclability are other factors
influencing their selection.
 Membranes can be provided in more than 1 layer to prevent the loss of air. Any damage to
the membrane can make the structure unusable during repairs.
Mechanical Jointing (Small Structures) Mechanical Jointing (Large Structures)

Sealing or Heat Bonding Heat Bonding

Cable System

 The cable system is the support system for the pneumatic structure in the same way that
beams and girders support the floor or roof of a non-pneumatic structure.
 The air in the membranes has an upward force due to the internal pressure of the
structure. This force is counteracted by a system of cables that hold the air structure and
keep it in place.
 These cables experience a tension force due to the upward force of the air.
 Cables can be place in only one direction or two directions to create a network and
better stability. The many cables act as a system of components to reinforce and
stabilize the pneumatic structure.
Anchorage and Connection/Foundation
HVAC System

 The most important component of a pneumatic structure.

 The air pressure is regulated by the HVAC system through the use of fans, air ducts,
compressors and conditioners.
 The internal air pressure is maintained by the HVAC system to stabilize the pneumatic
structure and allow it to stand upright. Without a constant rate of air, the structural system is
liable to fall apart with the gradually loss of its air support through leaks and pores in its
membrane.
 The system blows air into the membrane with its fan at the same rate as that which is lost
through the membrane or openings. In most cases, the system must be kept on at all times.
Applications

Temporary Structures
– flexibility in shape
and color
Roofing System
Demonstrator car bridge with 8m span and 3.5 tons maximal load

Tensairity roof structure with up to

28 m span for a parking garage
Mobile
advertisement pillar
with 20 m height

Exhibition stand
Skiers Bridge with 52 m span in
Lanslevillard, France. Skiers drive
over the bridge during the snow
sport season

Planar Roof
Telescope enclosure with 12 m
diameter ,Tenerife, Spain. The
roof open and closes solely
due to a change of the air
pressure.

Roof with 38 m
span, National
Tennis Center,
London