Pneumatic Structure

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Pneumatic Structures
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2. z

3. z
Introductio
n
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• Membrane Structures that are stabilized by pressure of
compressed air.
• Pressure difference between the enclosed space and the
exterior are responsible for giving the building its
shape and its stability.
• The pressure should be uniformly distributed for
structural integrity.

4. Pneumatic Structure
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5. z
Pneumatic
Structures
 Round in shape because it creates
greatest volume for least amount of
material.
 The whole envelope has to be evenly
pressurized for best stability.
• Pre stressing of membrane can be
done either by applying external force
or by internal pressurizing.
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6. z
Principl
e
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• Use of relatively thin membrane supported by
pressure difference.
• Dead weight increases by increasing the internal
pressure and the membrane is stressed so that no
asymmetrical loading occurs.
• Membrane can support both tension and
compression and thus withstand bending moment.

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Types
• Air Supported Structures
• Air Inflated Structures
Air Supported Structures
• They have air higher than the atmospheric pressure
supporting the envelope.
• Air locks or revolving doors help to maintain the
internal pressure.
• Air must be constantly provided.
• Life span of 20 – 25 years. 6

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•
Air Supported
Structure
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They are either anchored to the ground or to a
wall so that leakage is prevented.
• They have relative low cost and they can be
installed easily.

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Air Inflated
Structures
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• Supporting frames consist of air under high pressure.
• Internal pressure of building remains at atmospheric
pressure.
• There is no restrictions
in no. and size of
openings.
• They have potential
to support an attached structure.

10. z Histor
y
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extreme weather conditions.
• The concept of pneumatic structures were developed
during the development of hot air balloons.
• A brazilian priest Gusmao conducted the first
experiment in 1709.
• During second world war, after the invention of nylon,
these structures were widely used in military
operations, as shelters.
• These were later used for protecting radar from

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General
Characteristics
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• Not expensive in case of temporary structures.
Light Weight
• Weight compared to area is less.
• Low air pressure is required to balance it.
Span
• There is no theoretical maximum span.
• To span a distance of 36 km for a normal building is
hard while such spans are quite possible for
pneumatics.
Economy

12. Safety
• More safer but proper care should be taken.
• They are fire resistance structures.
Quick erection and dismantling
• Suitable for temporary constructions.
• 1 km² area can be brought down in 6 hours and can
be establish in less than 10 hours.
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13. Good Natural Light
• If envelope is made up of transparent material good
natural light entre into the structure.
• Around 50% – 80% of sunlight can be obtained.
Theft
• They are very safe structures.
• If the air bag is cut with a knife or a pin a big bang
is produced.
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