BUILDING CONSTRUCTION 2 Research on Air Structures DR /ESRAA HANY ENG/AYA SHAHEEN ENG/SALMA SOFAN ENG/FATMA YOUSRI Powered BY: MARIAM MOSTAFA 230003 EYAD YASSER 230024 BASMALA ELSAYED 230020 AHMED RABEA 230078 AYA KHALED 230014
Content Introduction Types of Air-Supported Structures Air-Supported Structures Air-Inflated Structures Advantages & Disadvantages of Air-Supported Structures Materials Used in Air-Supported Structures Applications of Air-Supported Structures Modern Technologies in Air-Supported Structures Famous Examples of Air-Supported Structures Conclusion Sources
Introduction Air-Supported Structures: Air-supported structures are lightweight buildings that rely oN compressed air or airflow to maintain their shape and stability. They are widely used in sports, industry, events, and even military applications. These structures are easy to assemble and dismantle, making them ideal for temporary or mobile use.
1. Types of Air-Supported Structures 1. Inflatable Structures ๐น Rely on compressed air inflated within a flexible membrane to maintain shape. ๐น Do not require constant air pressure but may need reinflation if air is lost. ๐น Used in inflatable play areas, temporary halls, and military shelters.
2. Air-Supported Structures ๐น Depend on air pressure differences between the inside and outside to remain stable. ๐น Require continuous airflow from fans or air systems to maintain internal pressure. ๐น Commonly used for covered stadiums, warehouses, and large event halls. ๐น Need sealed doors to maintain pressure.
3. Air-Inflated Structures ๐น Use air-filled tubes or cushions to provide rigidity and stability. ๐น Unlike air-supported structures, they do not require internal air pressure to stay inflated. ๐น Used in inflatable roofs and lightweight buildings.
2. Advantages of Air-Supported Structures โ Lightweight and portable: Easy to dismantle and transport. โ Lower cost than traditional buildings: No need for heavy foundations or solid materials. โ Quick assembly: Some air-supported structures can be set up within hours. โ Flexible design: Can be shaped differently to suit various uses. โ Resistant to earthquakes and natural disasters: Due to their lightweight and shock-absorbing nature. 3. Disadvantages of Air-Supported Structures โ Require a continuous power supply (for air-supported types). โ Less durable than solid buildings. โ Affected by extreme weather conditions, such as strong winds or heavy snow. โ Require regular maintenance to prevent air leaks.
4. Materials Used in Air-Supported Structures โ Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Used in flexible coverings for tents and inflatable buildings. โ Polyurethane (PU): Resistant to wear and environmental factors, used in air membranes. โ Kevlar and Carbon Fibers: Enhance durability while reducing weight. โ Coated Fabric: Used for weather-resistant external coverings.
5. Applications of Air-Supported Structures ๐ Sports facilities: Used to cover stadiums and sports halls. ๐ช Events and exhibitions: Temporary tents and halls for trade shows and concerts. ๐ Warehouses and industries: Inflatable warehouses for various commercial uses. ๐ Emergency shelters: Used for rescue and disaster relief operations. ๐ Military applications: Used in building mobile camps and shelters. ๐งช Scientific research: Inflatable laboratories used in remote areas.
6. Modern Technologies in Air-Supported Structures ๐ธ Aerodynamic design: Using nature-inspired techniques to improve stability. ๐ธ Smart materials: Membranes that react to environmental conditions, such as transparency-changing films. ๐ธ Energy-saving systems: Smart ventilation and heating systems to reduce power consumption. ๐ธ Eco-friendly materials: Biodegradable materials for temporary structures.
7. Famous Examples of Air-Supported Structures ๐ Covered football stadiums: Such as the Silverdome in the USA. ๐ช Large event domes: Like the O2 Arena in London, which incorporates air-supported technology. ๐ Emergency tents: Like Red Cross Inflatable Tents used for disaster relief.
Conclusion Air-supported structures offer an innovative and quick construction solution for a wide range of applications, from sports to emergency relief. These structures provide advantages in cost, flexibility, and weight but require ongoing maintenance and have some environmental limitations.
The information provided comes from various engineering and architectural sources, including: Engineering and Architectural References Books and reports on lightweight structures and inflatable buildings used in modern construction. Academic studies on air-supported architecture and design techniques . Research and Technical Reports Reports from air-supported structure manufacturers that design inflatable domes and air-supported buildings. Research papers on the use of advanced materials such as PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and smart membranes in air-supported structures. Practical Applications and Well-Known Projects Examples from air-supported stadiums , such as the Silverdome in the United States. Projects related to temporary shelters and military structures used in emergency situations.