PNEUMATIC STRUCTURE

( THE STRUCTURAL SYSTEM)

INTRODUCTION
Pneumatic structure is a membrane which carries load developed from the
tensile stresses.
Its stabilization is done by pre-stressing the membrane either by:
1.APPLYING AN EXTERNAL FORCE WHICH PULLS THE MEMBRANE TAUT.
2.INTERNAL PRESSURIZING, IF THE MEMBRANE IS VOLUME ENCLOSING.
Such structures are called pneumatic structures.
These structures can create artificial environments adaptable to human
use .
The pneumatic forms are bound to increase in popularity, owing to the
tremendous freedom they provide to the architects in designing large free
spaces
within them.

ORIGIN

The word pneumatic is derived from the Greek word Pneuma(meaning breath of air), thus these are the structure which are supported by the 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.

PRINCIPLE

Its principle is the use of relatively thin membrane supported by a

pressure difference by 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.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
Light weight

The weight of the structure as compared to the area covered 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 excess 3kg/square meter.

Span

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

except for the cable structures ( cables for bridges usually).
For a building, the limitation is 500 feet (152m) 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

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.
Theft
It is very safe no body can or pass through a pneumatic structure. If an
air bag is cut with a knife/ pin, a bang is produced.
Human health
In most cases, pressure of not more than 80-100mm and not less than
60mm.But man can withstand pressures between 0.20 atm to 3 atm.
Therefore no health hazard is presented by continuous stay in a
pneumatic structure.
Quick erection and dismantling
Suitable for temporary constructions because they are as easy to
dismantle as to establish.
For e.g., 1 sq km. of an area can be brought down in 6 hours and establish

ECONOMY
It is not expensive if it is the shifting structures.
For permanent structures, it is very expensive. Otherwise the cost per
square 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%).

TYPES OF PNEUMATIC STRUCTURES

1.AIR SUPPORTED STRUCTURES
2.AIR INFLATED STRUCTURES
AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURES
It consist of a single membrane(enclosing a functionally useful
space) which is supported by a small internal pressure difference.
The internal volume of a building air is consequently at a pressure
higher than atmospheric.
The air supported structure uses a low positive pressure to support a
membrane over a given area. Air must be supplied constantly
because of the continuous leakage.
These buildings are used most often because of:
. Their relatively low cost
. Their 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 stabilize the load
carrying membrane.
The covered space is not pressurized.

ADVANTAGES OF AIR- INFLATED / AIR FRAME STRUCTURE

The ability of self support.
The potential to support an attached structure.

CLASSIFICATION OF PNEUMATIC STRUCTURES

Pneumatic structures can be further subdivided as,
1) TYPE OF DIFFRENTIAL PRESSURE
2) DEGREE OF DIFFRENTIAL PRESSURE
3) TYPE OF SURFACE CURVATURE
4) PROPORTIONS
1. TYPE OF DIFFRENTIAL PRESSURE

Pneumatic structures use either positive pressure or negative pressure.

In (+) pressure system, the membrane is always curved outwards,
whereas in (-) pressure system, the membrane is curved inwards.
Being curved inwards there is a tendency of water logging & snow
accumulation.
Moreover, negative pressure systems require high supports at the edge or
in the center which makes it more expensive.
Both of these systems are used for storage purposes as they can kill the
rodents.

2. DEGREE OF DIFFERNTIAL PRESSURE

Low pressure systems
These systems are provided with low
pressure air, hence have to be
provided with continuous supply of
air.
E.g., Air supported structures.
High pressure systems
Used for easy erection &
dismantling.
The pressure difference is b/w 20007000mm of water pressure i.e. 100
to 1000 times to the low pressure
systems.
E.g., Air inflated structures.
These high pressure Air Inflated
systems are either having a single
valve system or a double valve
systems which avoids its collapse.

3. TYPE OF SURFACE CURVATURES

Classification according to the types of curvature on the
outer surface,
a) Single curved
b) Doubly curved in the same direction or synclastics
c) Doubly curved in opposite direction or anticlastics

4. PROPORTIONS
On the basis of different proportions, pneumatic
structures can be:Two dimension of similar size and one larger
dimension,
E.g., Tubes, Masts, Columns, Towers.
Two dimensions of similar size and one smaller
dimension,
E.g., Cushions, Mattresses.
Three dimensions of similar size,
E.g., Balloons, Balls, Spheres, Bubbles.

MATERIALS

1.ISOTROPIC MATERIALS
2.ANISOTROPIC MATERIALS
ISOTROPIC MATERIALS
These show the same strength and stretch in all directions. Examples are,
Plastic films - These are primarily produced from PVC, Poly ethylene,
polyester, polyamide etc.
Fabrics - These may be made of glass fibers or synthetic fibers which are
coated with PVC,
Polyester or Polyurethane film.
Rubber 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. Examples are,
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 Polyvinyle.
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.
Plastics -Like woven fabrics.
Its advantage is that they have more of tensile strength than normally
manufactured
plastic sheets.