Pneumatic structure ( Air-supported structure)

Pneumatic Structure
 Introduction
• Membrane structure that is stabilized by the
pressure of compressed air

• Air-supported structures supported by

internal air pressure

• A network of cables stiffens the fabric, and

the assembly is supported by a rigid ring at
the edge

• The air pressure within this bubble is

increased slightly above normal atmospheric
pressure and maintained by compressors or
fans

• Air locks are required at entrances to prevent

loss of internal air pressure

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Components

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Loads

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PROPERTIES

1. Light weight
Even more than 100 meter span, the weight of the structure does not exceed
3kg/square meter

2. Span

There is no theoretical maximum span as determined by strength, elasticity, specific weight

3. Safety
Safe. Accidental circumstances are avoided , cannot be destroyed by fire quickly and
totally.

4. Theft

Nothing can pass through a pneumatic structure. If an air bag is cut a bang is produced.

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PROPERTIES
5. Quick erection and dismantling

Suitable for temporary constructions because they are as easy to dismantle and to establish 1

sq.km. of an area can be brought down in 6 hours and erected in less than 10 hours. The 4hours

difference is due to establishment of pegs etc.

6. Economy

Costs for a pneumatic structure always have compared favorably with those of conventional roof

structures. On a cost-per-seat basis, the advantage is even more evident

7. Good natural light

Gives good natural light as translucent/transparent plastic sheets are used to cover air bags. We can

even bring the whole sunlight inside (50%-80%)

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DISADVANTAGES:

• Air sealing is vital; they sometimes leak which needs immediate care and regular inspections.
• There are limitations of entry, exit, and circulation.
• Constant air is vital.
• Short life span depending on quality of membrane and number of layers (7-25 years).
• Often incompatible with the particular building site.
• Once erected, structure is inflexible in terms of physical response.
• Limited expansion by addition.
• Inappropriate for multi-story buildings.
• Shapes are limited; “air bubbles” naturally form a spherical shape (as soap bubbles).
• Generally have poor acoustic properties (may be improved by hanging materials).

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TYPES- 1.AIR SUPPORTED STRUCTURES 2. AIR –INFLATED STRUCTURES
AIR – SUPPORTED STRUCTURES: it consist of a single membrane
(enclosing a functionally useful space) supported by a small internal pressure .

ADVANTAGES:

• low cost
• simplicity of design and fabrication
 AIR – INFLATED STRUCTURE: it is supported by pressurized air contained within inflated
building element. The internal volume of building air remains at atmospheric pressure. The
pressurized air in the pillow serves only to stabilizing the load carrying membrane . The covered
space is not pressurized .

ADVANTAGES :-
. the ability for self support
. the potential to support an attached structure
MATERIALS USED
ISOTROPIC:- these show the same strength and stretch in
all directions.

EXAMPLES ARE:-
PLASTIC FILMS :-PVC,POLY ETHYLENE, POLYESTER, POLYAMIDE ETC.

FABRICS:- glass fibres or synthetic fibres which are coated in a pvc,

polyester or polyurethene film.

Rubber membrane lightest and most flexible.

METAL FOILS:- they possess a very high gas diffusion resistance

and high tensile strength. need for very exact cutting
patterns
ANISOTROPIC MATERIALS:- THESE DO NOT SHOW THE SAME STRENGTH AND
STRETCHABILITY IN ALL DIRECTIONS. THEY HAVE DIRECTION ORIENTED PROPERTIES.

EXAMPLES ARE:-
WOVEN FABRICS:- THEY HAVE TWO MAIN DIRECTION OF WEAVE.

THEY CAN BE MADE OF:-

. ORGANIC FIBRES EG:- WOOL,COTTON OR SILK.
. MINERAL FIBRES EG:- GLASS FIBRES.
. METAL FIBRES EG:- THIN STEEL WIRES.
. SYNTHETIC FIBRES EG:- POLYAMIDE, POLYESTER AND POLYVINYLE.
GRID FABRIC:-
These are coarse-weave made of organic mineral or synthetic fibers or metallic networks. they are
particularly used where maximum light transmission and high strength is required.

SYNTHETIC RUBBERS:-
Combination of plastic and rubber. They can take better wear and tear, more resistant to elongation

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FINMECCANICA PAVILION AT THE FARNBOROUGH, UK

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Spacebuster - Raumlabor, GERMANY
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Inflatable Teahouse - Kengo Kuma (displayed at Museum Für Angewandte Kunst, Frankfurt)
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Thank You

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