A group Presentation on Pneumatic structures

1. PNEUMATIC
STRUCTURE
Presented by:
Ifra Mahboob
Maryam iftikhar
Ayesha Zulfiqar
Nisa Nasir
Mahrukh Tariq
Aimen Chaudhry

2. ORIGIN:
• The word pneumatic is derived from the Greek
word “pneuma”(meaning breath of air) ,thus these
are the structure which are supported by air.
• “Pneumatic structure” has been used by mankind
for thousand of years.
• But in the building technology it was introduced
only about 40 years ago.

3. INTRODUCTION:
• 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.

4. INTRODUCTION:
• 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.

5. PNEUMATIC STRUCTURE

6. PRINCIPLE:
• 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.

7. HISTORY:
• The concept of pneumatic
structures was developed
during the development
of hot air balloons.
• A Brazilian priest
Gusmao conducted the
first experiment in 1709.

8. HISTORY:
• 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
extreme weather
conditions.

9. Types of pneumatic
structure:
Air supported
structure
Air inflated
structure

10. AIR SUPPORTED STRUCTURE:
• Consists of a single membrane which is
supported by small internal pressure .
• Higher air than the atmospheric pressure
supporting the envelope.
• Air locks or revolving doors help to maintain
the internal pressure.

11. AIR SUPPORTED STRUCTURE:
• Air must be constantly
provided.
• Life span of 20 – 25 years.
• Relatively low cost.
• They are either anchored to
the ground or to the
• wall so that leakage is
prevented.

12. AIR INFLATED STRUCTURE:
• It is supported by
pressurized air contained
within inflated building
element. The pressurized air
in the pillow serves only to
stabilizing the load carrying
membrane. The covered
space is not pressurized.

13. AIR INFLATED STRUCTURE:
• Supporting frames consists of air under high
pressure.
• Internal pressure of building remains at
atmospheric pressure.
• There is no restrictions in number and sizes of
openings .
• They have potential to support an attached
structure.

14. Light
weight
Span
Economical
Safety
Quick erection
and dismantling
Good natural
light
GENERAL
CHARACTE
RISTICS:

15. Loading of Pneumatic
Structures:
• Wind, snow loads and internal air pressure are the
primary loads.
• They are designed to withstand wind load of 120
mph and snow load of 40 pounds/yards.
• They have the ability to gain stiffness.

16. MATERIALS:
• ISOTROPIC:- These show the same strength
and stretch in all directions. Examples are:-
PLASTIC
FILMS:-
RUBBER
MEMBRANE:
FABRICS METAL FOILS

17. ANISOTROPIC MATERIALS:-
• Do not show the same
• Strength and stretch ability in all directions.
• Direction oriented properties. Examples:
ANISOTROPIC
MATERIALS
SYNTHETIC
RUBBERS
GRIDDED
FABRIC
PLASTICS

18. USES
• SPORTS AND RECREATION:-
• Used as roof coverings for large sporting arenas.
• Ability to span great distances without beams and
columns.
• E.g. American Football or baseball grounds
• MILITARY AND GOVERNMENT:-
• For storage, for emergency medical operations.
• To protect radar stations from weather conditions.
• HYDRO ENGINEERING:-
• Used within dams and flood prevention systems.
• It can be used in relatively small river or stream

19. Football ground Military radar station pools Swimming Pool

20. ADVANTAGES:
• Simple structure, easy installation and
maintenance.
• Lightweight.
• Medium is air.
• Covers large spans .
• Portability.
• Unobstructed open interior space.
• No need for columns.

21. DISADVANTAGES:
• Need continuous operation of
fans to maintain pressure.
• Dome collapses when pressure
lost.
• Cannot reach the insulation
values of hard-walled
structures.
• Limited load-carrying capacity.
• Conventional buildings have
longer lifespan.

22. CONSTRUCTION ISSUES:

23. Inflatable Teahouse - Kengo Kuma
(Japan)-2007

25. Air Forest -
Mass
Studies
(Japan)
2004-2008

26. Air Forest - Mass Studies
(Japan)

27. Allianz Arena
HERZOG & DE MEURON, JACQUES HERZOG, PIERRE
DE MEURON (2002-2005 MUNICH, GERMANY)

29. References
• https://sites.google.com/site/pnuematicstructur
e/materilas-and-construction
• https://sites.google.com.pk/search?q=loading+
pnuematicstructure&source
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/airsupportedstru
cture
• https://www.bopow.com/newblog/the-
advantages-and-disadvantagesofpnuematic-
component

30. THANK YOU