PNEUMATIC STRUCTURES

Pneumatic Structures are the special type of

structure which is generally characterized by
the slightly higher air pressure of internal
surrounding.

The word ‘Pneumatic’ means the structures

which is constructed with the support of Air
Pneumatic structures was introduced in the
Building Technology about 40 years ago.

The pneumatic structure is a membrane

structure which is stabilized with the help of
the compressed air.

The Pneumatic structures are a very cost-

effective type of Buildings for the longer span.
The roof of the pneumatic structures are made from the rubber or enforce film
with the help of polymers.

The weight of the roofing membrane is balance and maintain with the help
air compressors or blowers.
The roof of the pneumatic structures are made
from the rubber or enforce film with the help
of polymers.

The weight of the roofing membrane is

balance and maintain with the help
air compressors or blowers.

The shape of the Pneumatic structure is round

because it creates a larger volume for less
amount of material.

The pneumatic structure is a membrane which

can carry the total load develop from
the tensile stresses.
The stabilization of the Pneumatic structure is done with the help of pre-stressing of
the membrane.
The pre-stressing of the membrane is done by applying an external force to put
the membrane.
Pneumatic architecture structures are used widely for the construction of permanent
as well as temporary structures.
Pneumatic structures can develop an artificial environment which is adaptable for
humans.
The foundation required for the Pneumatic structure is secured to the ground using
Heavyweights.

The material which is used for the

envelope is as follows.

• Fibreglass which has high tensile strength

and durability

• Polyester or PVC coated polyester

which is flexible.

• Nylon or vinyl-coated nylon which

has more strength and durability.
Principle of Pneumatic Structures

The principle of the Pneumatic structure is the use of a very thin membrane which is
supported by a pressure difference.

The Dead weight of the space available in the envelope is balanced by increasing the
inside air pressure.

The thin membrane gets stress to the point where it cannot be indented by
the asymmetrical loading
Types of Pneumatic Structures

There are mainly two types of Pneumatic

structures

1. Air supported pneumatic structures

2. Air inflated pneumatic structures

1. Air Supported Pneumatic Structures
Air supported structures have Air higher than the atmospheric pressure supporting the
envelope.

Air supported inverter structures are supported by the internal air pressure and use of a
network of the cable stiffen the fabric.

The lifespan of the Air supported structures is 20 to 25 years.

The Air supported Pneumatic structures have a relatively low cost.

The Internal pressure in the air-supported

structures is maintained above the Normal
atmospheric pressure with the help of
compressors or fans.

It should be provided with Airlocks which are

required to prevent the loss of internal air
pressure.
 2. Air Inflated Pneumatic Structures

Air inflated structures are supported by the pressurized air which contained with an
inflated building element.

Air inflated structures are supported with the help of pressurized air within inflated
building elements in the different shapes which will carry the loads.

In the air-inflated structures, the air under high

pressure fills only in the supporting elements
of the pneumatic structure.

The internal pressure of the air Inflated

structures remains at the atmospheric
pressure.
Characteristics of the Pneumatic Structures

Pneumatic structure, Membrane structure that is stabilized by the pressure of

compressed air.

Air-supported structures are supported by internal air pressure.

A network of cables stiffens the fabric, and the

assembly is supported by a rigid ring at the
edge.

List of Characteristics of the Pneumatic

Structures

Weight of the Pneumatic Structures

The Span of the Cinematic Structures
Safety of the Parametric Structures
The Time Required for Construction of
Pneumatic Structures
Advantages of Pneumatic Structures
The Advantages of the Pneumatic structures are as follows.
Pneumatic structures are lightweight
• Pneumatic structures can cover a larger area of span without any type of internal
support.
• Pneumatic structures are economical as compared to other structures.
• The construction and the assembly of the Pneumatic structures are very fast.
• Pneumatic structures can be used to construct a whole structure as an entity.
• Pneumatic structures can be used for both temporary as well as permanent
structures for various purposes.
• The initial cost of construction of Pneumatic structures is less as compared to a
conventional building.
• The operation cost of periodic structures is also less as compared to a
conventional building.

Disadvantages of Pneumatic Structures

The Disadvantages of Pneumatic structures are as follows
• Pneumatic structures are less durable and have a short service life.
• Pneumatic structures are poor resistance to fire and the acoustic insulation.
• The enclosed membrane of the Pneumatic structures required maintenance of
excess pressure.