Pneumatic Structure Technology

PNEUMATIC STRUCTURE TECHNOLOGY
The word pneumatic is derived from the Greek word pneuma meaning breath
of air thus these are the structure which are supported by air. These structures
has been used by mankind for thousand of years but in the building technology
it was introduced only about 40 years ago.
PRINCIPLE
Its principle is the use of relatively thin
membrane supported by a pressure difference.
Through increasing the inside air pressure not
only the dead weight of the space envelope is
balanced, but the membrane is stressed to a
point where it cannot be indented by
asymmetrical loading.
1922, the oasis theatre in

Paris sported a pneumatic
hollow roof structure.
TYPES OF PNEUMATIC STRUCTURE
Air – supported structures Air – inflated structure
It consist of a single membrane supported It is supported by pressurized air

by a small internal pressure difference. The contained within inflated building
internal volume of a building air is element. The internal volume of
consequently at a pressure higher than building air remains at atmospheric
atmospheric pressure. pressure
SYSTEM COMPONENTS
The system components of a pneumatic structure are the envelope, pumping

equipment, entrance doors, and foundation.
Envelope
It is a single or double layer membrane and is

made of industrial fabrics, such as fibreglass or
polyester for a great stability. The shape of the
envelope is a very important aspect in
pneumatic structures. If a pneumatic structure
is not evenly pressurized, then the membrane
creates wrinkles and stress points which will
lead it to fail.
Pumping Equipment
The pumping equipment for an air-inflated structure

can be fans, blowers or compressors. First of all, the
internal volume of the envelope is supplied with
atmospheric pressure through the pumping
equipment. Secondly, the pumping equipment is used
in many cases to replace any air leakage in order to
maintain a stabilized pressurized environment
Entrance Doors
Access to the interior of the pneumatic

structure is achieved
through doors or airlocks. The
most common and efficient entrance
doors are the airlocks because they do
not allow any air to escape from the
structure minimizing the chances of
having an unevenly pressurized
environment.
Foundation
The structures are secured on the ground

using heavy weights ground anchors or
attached to a foundation. The weight of the
material and the wind loads are used to
determine the most appropriate anchoring
system. For a small independent structure,
a ballast anchorage, blocks of concrete, or
bricks can be placed around the perimeter
on the seal skirt in order to stabilize the
structure.
For a bigger and wider pneumatic structure, reinforcing cables or nets are
required to anchor and stabilize it.
GENERAL CHARACTERSTICS
1) LIGHT WEIGHT
• The weight of the structure as

compared to the area it covers is
very less.
• The weight of the membrane roof
even when it is stiffened by
cables, is very small.
• Low air pressure is sufficient to
balance it.
• Even with spans of more than 100mts, the weight of the structure does not
exceed 3kg/square meter.
2) SPAN
• No structure can guarantee to give the spans up to certain limits cable

structures are exceptions (cables for bridges usually).
• For a building, then the limitation is 500 feet span due to its self weight.
• Another advantage over other structures is that, for pneumatic membrane ,
there is no theoretical maximum span as determined by strength, elasticity,
specific weight or any other property.
• It is hardly possible to span a distance of over 36km. With a steel cables as they
would fail because of their inability to sustain their own weight. But with
pneumatics, such spans are quiet possible.
3) Safety
• pneumatic structures are safer than any

other structure otherwise a proper care
should be taken while establishing.
• Accidental circumstances are avoided as
they are very light.
• There are warning signals while the release
of return valve. Safety factor+ warning time
is quiet long as compared to other
structures.
• Pneumatic structures cant be destroyed by
fire quickly and totally.
4. Theft
• it is very safe no body can or pass through it. If an air bag is cut with a knife/
pin, a bang is produced.
5. Quick Erection and Dismantling
• suitable for temporary constructions because they are as easy to dismantle

as to establish.
• 1 sq.Km. Of an area can be brought down in 6 hours. And establish in less
than 10 hours. The 4 hours difference is due to establishment of pegs etc.
Economy
• It is not expensive where it is used for shifting structures. For permanent

structures, it is very expensive. Otherwise the cost per squre foot of air
supported structures is among the lowest for large span roofs.
Good natural light
• Gives good natural light as translucent/transparent plastic sheets are used to

cover air bags. We can even bring the whole sun inside. There is a lot of
flexibility in getting sun light(50%-80%).
RANJANA 7
MATERIAL USED
Isotropic material : These show the same strength and stretch in all directions.
• Plastic films:-
films These are primarily produced from pvc, Poly ethylene,
polyester, polyamide etc.
• Fabrics:- these may be made of glass fibres or synthetic Fibres which are
coated in a pvc, polyester or Polyurethene film.
• Rubber membrane:-
membrane they are the lightest and most Flexible.
• Metal foils:- they possess a very high gas diffusion resistance And high
tensile strength . one of the major problems in the Use of metal foils is in
need to produce very exact cutting Patterns.
Anisotropic materials
These do not show the same strength and stretch ability in all directions. They
have direction oriented properties.
Woven fabrics: - They have two main direction of weave. They can be made
of:-
•Organic fibers e.g.: - wool, cotton
or silk.
•Mineral fibers e.g.:- glass fibers
•Metal fibers e.g.:- thin steel wires
•Synthetic fibers e.g.:- polyamide,
polyester and polyvinyl.
Gridded 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. They
are latest and are more resistant to elongation.
USES
Sports and recreation
This type of structure is suitable for such building type
because of its ability to span great distances without
the need for beams or columns. It is often a cheaper
alternative to steel supported roofs. Disadvantages to
using a roofing system of this type include the fact that
the structure must be constantly maintained and
inspected because left untreated, the membranes can
puncture and the cost of repair can be very high.
American Football or Baseball grounds

Military Structures
Pneumatic structures are commonplace in the
Military. They often take the shape of a semi-circular
tube and can be connected together. The most
common uses for these structures are for storage or
for emergency medical operations. The benefits of
using pneumatic structures in this way are that they
take next to no time to construct, can be erected by
one person easily
Other Uses

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PNEUMATIC STRUCTURE TECHNOLOGY

1922, the oasis theatre in

It consist of a single membrane supported It is supported by pressurized air

The system components of a pneumatic structure are the envelope, pumping

It is a single or double layer membrane and is

The pumping equipment for an air-inflated structure

Access to the interior of the pneumatic

The structures are secured on the ground

• The weight of the structure as

• No structure can guarantee to give the spans up to certain limits cable

• pneumatic structures are safer than any

5. Quick Erection and Dismantling

• suitable for temporary constructions because they are as easy to dismantle

• It is not expensive where it is used for shifting structures. For permanent

Good natural light

• Gives good natural light as translucent/transparent plastic sheets are used to

American Football or Baseball grounds

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