Air-supported structure - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 07:21, 29 June 2021

2021-06-29T07:21:07Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:21, 29 June 2021
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	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

−	An air-supported structure is held up by controlled internal air pressure rather than timber, concrete or steel supports. This type of structure is typically less expensive to construct than comparable traditional buildings and is capable of enclosing large areas with little internal structure.	+	An air-supported structure is held up by controlled internal air pressure rather than timber, concrete or steel supports. This type of structure is typically less expensive to construct than comparable traditional buildings and is capable of enclosing large areas with little internal structure and good natural lighting.

	Air-supported structures are also sometimes called fabric dome structures or 'bubbles'. They are commonly shaped as ovals, hemispheres and half cylinders which can provide optimum pressurisation for the largest amount of space using the least amount of material.		Air-supported structures are also sometimes called fabric dome structures or 'bubbles'. They are commonly shaped as ovals, hemispheres and half cylinders which can provide optimum pressurisation for the largest amount of space using the least amount of material.
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	Following successful trials between 1946 and 1950, the radome concept was applied to the DEW line early warning system, and in 1953 Walter Bird established the company Birdair primarily for the manufacture of radomes. Since 1946 tens of thousands of radomes have been manufactured, some of the largest being more than 60m in diameter.		Following successful trials between 1946 and 1950, the radome concept was applied to the DEW line early warning system, and in 1953 Walter Bird established the company Birdair primarily for the manufacture of radomes. Since 1946 tens of thousands of radomes have been manufactured, some of the largest being more than 60m in diameter.
		+
		+	For more information see: The history of fabric structures.

	The concept of the air-supported structure was further popularised by David H. Geiger when it was used for the United States pavilion at Expo 70 in Osaka, Japan. This structure was significantly less expensive than other proposed solutions and was designed to survive extreme weather conditions consistent with the Japanese climate. Based on its success, the air-supported fabric roof concept has been incorporated into numerous domed structures around the world.		The concept of the air-supported structure was further popularised by David H. Geiger when it was used for the United States pavilion at Expo 70 in Osaka, Japan. This structure was significantly less expensive than other proposed solutions and was designed to survive extreme weather conditions consistent with the Japanese climate. Based on its success, the air-supported fabric roof concept has been incorporated into numerous domed structures around the world.
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	Air-supported structures are typically made up of four components:		Air-supported structures are typically made up of four components:

−	# Fabric membrane. This is often made from some type of synthetic material that has been treated for weather and fire resistance. It may be interwoven with a network of strengthening cables made from steel or fabric. The inside of the membrane may include some form of acoustic material or other type of sound insulation.	+	# Fabric membrane. This is often made from some type of coated synthetic material such as nylon that has been treated for weather and fire resistance. It may be interwoven with a network of strengthening cables made from steel or fabric. The inside of the membrane may include some form of acoustic material or other type of sound insulation.
	# Pressurisation. Fans and HVAC equipment, along with sufficient emergency power provide suitable pressure and temperature control inside.		# Pressurisation. Fans and HVAC equipment, along with sufficient emergency power provide suitable pressure and temperature control inside.
	# Entry/exit access. Properly specified pressurised doors are necessary.		# Entry/exit access. Properly specified pressurised doors are necessary.
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	= Maintenance =		= Maintenance =

−	Weather conditions tend to create the biggest challenges for air-supported structures. In climates where snow and ice are ~~typical occurrences~~, care must be taken to resolve issues that come with ~~snow~~ loading. Manufacturers may provide different instructions to deal with snow removal on air-supported structures.	+	Weather conditions tend to create the biggest challenges for air-supported structures. In climates where snow and ice are common, care must be taken to resolve issues that come with high loading. Manufacturers may provide different instructions to deal with snow removal on air-supported structures.

−	It is extremely unusual for an air-supported structure to experience sudden collapse. ~~Such~~ an occurrence did take place in 2020 in Binghamton, New York. Once the largest air-supported dome in the United States, the Greater Binghamton Sports Complex collapsed after 104.14 cm (41 inches) of snow fell over a period of less than 24 hours~~. Plans have been made to replace the structure~~.	+	It is extremely unusual for an air-supported structure to experience sudden collapse. However, such an occurrence did take place in 2020 in Binghamton, New York. Once the largest air-supported dome in the United States, the Greater Binghamton Sports Complex collapsed after 104.14 cm (41 inches) of snow fell over a period of less than 24 hours.

	Excessive wind conditions can also cause damage. However, some structures are designed to withstand winds as high as 120 mph.		Excessive wind conditions can also cause damage. However, some structures are designed to withstand winds as high as 120 mph.
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	Other key maintenance concerns may involve the proximity of combustible materials such as vegetation, rubbish, chemicals or other hazardous substances.		Other key maintenance concerns may involve the proximity of combustible materials such as vegetation, rubbish, chemicals or other hazardous substances.

−	If properly maintained, an air-supported structure can last between 10 and 15 years. It should be inspected ~~every two years~~. Some fabric replacement or repair may be required intermittently.	+	If properly maintained, an air-supported structure can last between 10 and 15 years. It should be inspected regularly to check for deterioration or damage. Some fabric replacement or repair may be required intermittently.

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
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	* Temporary works for construction		* Temporary works for construction
	* Tensile structures.		* Tensile structures.
−	* The history of fabric structures	+	* The history of fabric structures.
	* Types of building.		* Types of building.
	* Types of dome.		* Types of dome.

	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Design]]		[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Design]]

Designing Buildings at 07:17, 29 June 2021

2021-06-29T07:17:23Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:17, 29 June 2021
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	Air-supported structures are also sometimes called fabric dome structures or 'bubbles'. They are commonly shaped as ovals, hemispheres and half cylinders which can provide optimum pressurisation for the largest amount of space using the least amount of material.		Air-supported structures are also sometimes called fabric dome structures or 'bubbles'. They are commonly shaped as ovals, hemispheres and half cylinders which can provide optimum pressurisation for the largest amount of space using the least amount of material.

−	The concept of the air-supported structure was ~~introduced~~ by David H. Geiger~~. It~~ was ~~first~~ used for the United States pavilion at Expo 70 in Osaka, Japan. This structure was significantly less expensive than other proposed solutions and was designed to survive extreme weather conditions consistent with the Japanese climate. Based on its success, the air-supported fabric roof concept has been incorporated into numerous domed structures around the world.	+	= History =
		+
		+	In 1918 F.W. Lanchester patented a design for an 'air tent' in which it was proposed that a patterned balloon fabric could be inflated at a low pressure to form a habitable enclosure. In 1938, Lanchester developed the concept further with a design for an air supported dome spanning over 650 m. Such air supported and air inflated structures had many potential applications but in 1946 a mass market was identified, creating 'radomes', minimal structure shelters which provided climatic protection for radar dishes.
		+
		+	Following successful trials between 1946 and 1950, the radome concept was applied to the DEW line early warning system, and in 1953 Walter Bird established the company Birdair primarily for the manufacture of radomes. Since 1946 tens of thousands of radomes have been manufactured, some of the largest being more than 60m in diameter.
		+
		+	The concept of the air-supported structure was further popularised by David H. Geiger when it was used for the United States pavilion at Expo 70 in Osaka, Japan. This structure was significantly less expensive than other proposed solutions and was designed to survive extreme weather conditions consistent with the Japanese climate. Based on its success, the air-supported fabric roof concept has been incorporated into numerous domed structures around the world.

	= Construction =		= Construction =

Designing Buildings at 07:13, 29 June 2021

2021-06-29T07:13:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:13, 29 June 2021
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	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

−	An air-supported structure ~~is a type of building that~~ is held up by controlled internal air pressure rather than ~~wood~~ or steel supports. This type of structure is typically less expensive than comparable ~~buildings constructed according to~~ traditional ~~methods~~.	+	An air-supported structure is held up by controlled internal air pressure rather than timber, concrete or steel supports. This type of structure is typically less expensive to construct than comparable traditional buildings and is capable of enclosing large areas with little internal structure.

−	Air-supported structures are also sometimes called fabric dome structures or bubbles. They are commonly shaped as ovals, hemispheres and half cylinders which provide optimum pressurisation for the largest amount of space using the least amount of material.	+	Air-supported structures are also sometimes called fabric dome structures or 'bubbles'. They are commonly shaped as ovals, hemispheres and half cylinders which can provide optimum pressurisation for the largest amount of space using the least amount of material.

−	The concept of the air-supported structure was introduced by David H. Geiger. It was first used for the United States pavilion at Expo 70 in Osaka, Japan. ~~The~~ structure was significantly less expensive than other proposed solutions and was designed to survive extreme weather conditions consistent with the Japanese climate. Based on its success, the air-supported fabric roof concept ~~designed by Geiger~~ has been incorporated into numerous domed ~~stadiums~~ around the world.	+	The concept of the air-supported structure was introduced by David H. Geiger. It was first used for the United States pavilion at Expo 70 in Osaka, Japan. This structure was significantly less expensive than other proposed solutions and was designed to survive extreme weather conditions consistent with the Japanese climate. Based on its success, the air-supported fabric roof concept has been incorporated into numerous domed structures around the world.

	= Construction =		= Construction =
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	Air-supported structures are often used to provide controlled climates for tennis courts, swimming pools, athletic fields, shelters, warehouses and so on. They may be temporary or permanent.		Air-supported structures are often used to provide controlled climates for tennis courts, swimming pools, athletic fields, shelters, warehouses and so on. They may be temporary or permanent.

−	~~These buildings~~ are formed by a single-layer membrane that is supported by pressurisation of the ~~whole interior of the building~~. ~~An air-supported structure prevents air from being lost~~ when access points are opened by ~~using~~ airlocks that maintain the level ~~of air~~ pressure inside the occupied space. However, the structure does not have to remain completely airtight in order to maintain pressurisation as long as a system is in place to adjust for leakage and provide stabilisation.	+	They are generally formed by a single-layer membrane that is supported by pressurisation of the air it encloses. Air loss when access points are opened is prevented by airlocks that maintain the level pressure inside the occupied space. However, the structure does not have to remain completely airtight in order to maintain pressurisation as long as a system is in place to adjust for leakage and provide stabilisation.

−	Because the air is trapped in the usable space inside the structure, the interior has a slightly higher air pressure than outside. This difference in pressure acts to stabilise the fabric ~~walls and ceiling~~ of the building and does not have a noticeable impact on the people inside ~~the structure~~.	+	Because the air is trapped in the usable space inside the structure, the interior has a slightly higher air pressure than outside. This difference in pressure acts to stabilise the fabric enclosure of the building and does not have a noticeable impact on the people inside.

−	Further efforts to keep the material in place may ~~be supported by heavy~~ weights, ~~sand bags, wall anchors or foundation~~ anchors ~~or a combination of these devices~~.	+	Further efforts to keep the material in place may include weights, anchors and cables.

−	* Air-supported structures are typically made up of four components~~, including~~:	+	Air-supported structures are typically made up of four components:
−	* Fabric membrane. This is often made from some type of synthetic material that has been treated for weather and fire resistance. It may be interwoven with a network of strengthening cables made from steel or fabric. The inside of the membrane may include some form of acoustic material or other type of sound insulation.	+
−	* Pressurisation. Fans and HVAC equipment, along with sufficient emergency power~~, will be required to~~ provide suitable pressure and temperature inside ~~the structure~~.	+	# Fabric membrane. This is often made from some type of synthetic material that has been treated for weather and fire resistance. It may be interwoven with a network of strengthening cables made from steel or fabric. The inside of the membrane may include some form of acoustic material or other type of sound insulation.
−	* Entry/exit access. Properly specified pressurised doors are necessary.	+	# Pressurisation. Fans and HVAC equipment, along with sufficient emergency power provide suitable pressure and temperature control inside.
−	* Lighting. ~~Depending on the type of fabric selected, the~~ structure may ~~offer some degree of natural light, but additional lighting will~~ be ~~required~~.	+	# Entry/exit access. Properly specified pressurised doors are necessary.
		+	# Emergency supports. Some internal structure may be provided so that in the event of a loss of pressure there is still sufficient space to allow occupants to escape.

	= Air-supported structure vs air-inflated structure =		= Air-supported structure vs air-inflated structure =

−	Air-supported structures differ from air-inflated structures. Sometimes referred to as inflatable buildings, air-inflated structures are constructed using two layers of membrane (as opposed to one) that are connected together to form inflatable 'cushions'. Membranes are usually less than 1 mm thick, and air is used to pressurise the cavity between them to form a 'rigid', structurally stable element, capable of spanning large distances.	+	Air-supported structures differ from air-inflated structures.
		+
		+	Sometimes referred to as inflatable buildings, air-inflated structures are constructed using two layers of membrane (as opposed to one) that are connected together to form inflatable 'cushions'. Membranes are usually less than 1 mm thick, and air is used to pressurise the cavity between them to form a 'rigid', structurally stable element, capable of spanning large distances.

	[[File:Inflatable_Building.jpg\|link=File:Inflatable_Building.jpg]]		[[File:Inflatable_Building.jpg\|link=File:Inflatable_Building.jpg]]
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	Inflatable buildings can be portable, with the air allowed to escape before the membrane is packed down to a small volume. Inflatable structures (or inflatables) can also be used to create specific components such as escape slides, bouncy castles and so on.		Inflatable buildings can be portable, with the air allowed to escape before the membrane is packed down to a small volume. Inflatable structures (or inflatables) can also be used to create specific components such as escape slides, bouncy castles and so on.

−	[[File:BouncyCastle.jpg]]	+	[[File:BouncyCastle.jpg\|link=File:BouncyCastle.jpg]]

	= Maintenance =		= Maintenance =

Editor at 17:26, 28 June 2021

2021-06-28T17:26:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:26, 28 June 2021
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	Inflatable buildings can be portable, with the air allowed to escape before the membrane is packed down to a small volume. Inflatable structures (or inflatables) can also be used to create specific components such as escape slides, bouncy castles and so on.		Inflatable buildings can be portable, with the air allowed to escape before the membrane is packed down to a small volume. Inflatable structures (or inflatables) can also be used to create specific components such as escape slides, bouncy castles and so on.
		+
		+	[[File:BouncyCastle.jpg]]

	= Maintenance =		= Maintenance =

Editor at 17:23, 28 June 2021

2021-06-28T17:23:31Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:23, 28 June 2021
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	Air-supported structures are also sometimes called fabric dome structures or bubbles. They are commonly shaped as ovals, hemispheres and half cylinders which provide optimum pressurisation for the largest amount of space using the least amount of material.		Air-supported structures are also sometimes called fabric dome structures or bubbles. They are commonly shaped as ovals, hemispheres and half cylinders which provide optimum pressurisation for the largest amount of space using the least amount of material.

−	The concept of the air-supported structure was introduced by David H. Geiger. It was first used for the United States pavilion at Expo 70 in Osaka, Japan. The structure was significantly less expensive than other proposed solutions and was designed to survive extreme weather conditions consistent with the Japanese climate. Based on its success, ~~Geiger’s~~ air-supported fabric roof ~~system~~ has been incorporated into numerous domed stadiums around the world.	+	The concept of the air-supported structure was introduced by David H. Geiger. It was first used for the United States pavilion at Expo 70 in Osaka, Japan. The structure was significantly less expensive than other proposed solutions and was designed to survive extreme weather conditions consistent with the Japanese climate. Based on its success, the air-supported fabric roof concept designed by Geiger has been incorporated into numerous domed stadiums around the world.

	= Construction =		= Construction =

Editor at 17:15, 28 June 2021

2021-06-28T17:15:49Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:15, 28 June 2021
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−	[[File:Bubble.Tennis.Reading.jpg]]	+	[[File:Bubble.Tennis.Reading.jpg\|link=File:Bubble.Tennis.Reading.jpg]]

	= Introduction =		= Introduction =
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	Air-supported structures differ from air-inflated structures. Sometimes referred to as inflatable buildings, air-inflated structures are constructed using two layers of membrane (as opposed to one) that are connected together to form inflatable 'cushions'. Membranes are usually less than 1 mm thick, and air is used to pressurise the cavity between them to form a 'rigid', structurally stable element, capable of spanning large distances.		Air-supported structures differ from air-inflated structures. Sometimes referred to as inflatable buildings, air-inflated structures are constructed using two layers of membrane (as opposed to one) that are connected together to form inflatable 'cushions'. Membranes are usually less than 1 mm thick, and air is used to pressurise the cavity between them to form a 'rigid', structurally stable element, capable of spanning large distances.

−	[[File:~~Inflatable Building~~.jpg]]	+	[[File:Inflatable_Building.jpg\|link=File:Inflatable_Building.jpg]]

	Inflatable buildings can be portable, with the air allowed to escape before the membrane is packed down to a small volume. Inflatable structures (or inflatables) can also be used to create specific components such as escape slides, bouncy castles and so on.		Inflatable buildings can be portable, with the air allowed to escape before the membrane is packed down to a small volume. Inflatable structures (or inflatables) can also be used to create specific components such as escape slides, bouncy castles and so on.
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	If properly maintained, an air-supported structure can last between 10 and 15 years. It should be inspected every two years. Some fabric replacement or repair may be required intermittently.		If properly maintained, an air-supported structure can last between 10 and 15 years. It should be inspected every two years. Some fabric replacement or repair may be required intermittently.

−	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki~~<br />~~	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
−	=	+

	* Architectural fabrics.		* Architectural fabrics.
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	* Types of building.		* Types of building.
	* Types of dome.		* Types of dome.
		+
		+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Product_Knowledge]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Construction_techniques]] [[Category:Design]]

Editor: Created page with "File:Bubble.Tennis.Reading.jpg = Introduction = An air-supported structure is a type of building that is held up by controlled internal air pressure rather than wood or ste..."

2021-06-28T17:13:35Z

Created page with "File:Bubble.Tennis.Reading.jpg = Introduction = An air-supported structure is a type of building that is held up by controlled internal air pressure rather than wood or ste..."

New page

[[File:Bubble.Tennis.Reading.jpg]]

= Introduction =

An air-supported structure is a type of building that is held up by controlled internal air pressure rather than wood or steel supports. This type of structure is typically less expensive than comparable buildings constructed according to traditional methods.

Air-supported structures are also sometimes called fabric dome structures or bubbles. They are commonly shaped as ovals, hemispheres and half cylinders which provide optimum pressurisation for the largest amount of space using the least amount of material.

The concept of the air-supported structure was introduced by David H. Geiger. It was first used for the United States pavilion at Expo 70 in Osaka, Japan. The structure was significantly less expensive than other proposed solutions and was designed to survive extreme weather conditions consistent with the Japanese climate. Based on its success, Geiger’s air-supported fabric roof system has been incorporated into numerous domed stadiums around the world.

= Construction =

Air-supported structures are often used to provide controlled climates for tennis courts, swimming pools, athletic fields, shelters, warehouses and so on. They may be temporary or permanent.

These buildings are formed by a single-layer membrane that is supported by pressurisation of the whole interior of the building. An air-supported structure prevents air from being lost when access points are opened by using airlocks that maintain the level of air pressure inside the occupied space. However, the structure does not have to remain completely airtight in order to maintain pressurisation as long as a system is in place to adjust for leakage and provide stabilisation.

Because the air is trapped in the usable space inside the structure, the interior has a slightly higher air pressure than outside. This difference in pressure acts to stabilise the fabric walls and ceiling of the building and does not have a noticeable impact on the people inside the structure.

Further efforts to keep the material in place may be supported by heavy weights, sand bags, wall anchors or foundation anchors or a combination of these devices.

* Air-supported structures are typically made up of four components, including:
* Fabric membrane. This is often made from some type of synthetic material that has been treated for weather and fire resistance. It may be interwoven with a network of strengthening cables made from steel or fabric. The inside of the membrane may include some form of acoustic material or other type of sound insulation.
* Pressurisation. Fans and HVAC equipment, along with sufficient emergency power, will be required to provide suitable pressure and temperature inside the structure.
* Entry/exit access. Properly specified pressurised doors are necessary.
* Lighting. Depending on the type of fabric selected, the structure may offer some degree of natural light, but additional lighting will be required.

= Air-supported structure vs air-inflated structure =

Air-supported structures differ from air-inflated structures. Sometimes referred to as inflatable buildings, air-inflated structures are constructed using two layers of membrane (as opposed to one) that are connected together to form inflatable 'cushions'. Membranes are usually less than 1 mm thick, and air is used to pressurise the cavity between them to form a 'rigid', structurally stable element, capable of spanning large distances.

[[File:Inflatable Building.jpg]]

Inflatable buildings can be portable, with the air allowed to escape before the membrane is packed down to a small volume. Inflatable structures (or inflatables) can also be used to create specific components such as escape slides, bouncy castles and so on.

= Maintenance =

Weather conditions tend to create the biggest challenges for air-supported structures. In climates where snow and ice are typical occurrences, care must be taken to resolve issues that come with snow loading. Manufacturers may provide different instructions to deal with snow removal on air-supported structures.

It is extremely unusual for an air-supported structure to experience sudden collapse. Such an occurrence did take place in 2020 in Binghamton, New York. Once the largest air-supported dome in the United States, the Greater Binghamton Sports Complex collapsed after 104.14 cm (41 inches) of snow fell over a period of less than 24 hours. Plans have been made to replace the structure.

Excessive wind conditions can also cause damage. However, some structures are designed to withstand winds as high as 120 mph.

Computerised controls are available for modern systems to monitor and compensate for air pressure and load variations automatically.

Other key maintenance concerns may involve the proximity of combustible materials such as vegetation, rubbish, chemicals or other hazardous substances.

If properly maintained, an air-supported structure can last between 10 and 15 years. It should be inspected every two years. Some fabric replacement or repair may be required intermittently.

= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki<br />
=

* Architectural fabrics.
* Fabric structures.
* Geodesic dome
* Inflatable building.
* Temporary building.
* Temporary works for construction
* Tensile structures.
* The history of fabric structures
* Types of building.
* Types of dome.