How Much Do You Know About Inflatable Membrane Structure

April 21,2021

How much do you know about inflatable membrane structure

What is the air-supported structures?

Inflatable membrane structure is a kind of structure or component that uses high-performance membrane material as the building "shell". The pressure difference between the inside and outside of the membrane generates tension on the membrane surface to form a certain stable shape and load-bearing capacity structure or component. The inflatable membrane structure should have a closed inflatable space, and an inflatable device for maintaining internal pressure should be provided to ensure the rigidity of the membrane structure system and maintain the designed shape. Inflatable membrane structures can be divided into four categories according to the different formation methods of the enclosed space in the membrane: air-bearing membrane structure, air-ribbed membrane structure, air pillow-type membrane structure and air-bag membrane structure.

Classification of inflatable membrane structures.

1. Air-bearing membrane structure: The membrane surface itself does not form a closed curved surface, and its periphery is fixed on a rigid boundary or foundation. The enclosed space is formed by the membrane surface, the surrounding closed boundary and the indoor ground. The air-bearing membrane structure supports the membrane surface through the air pressure inside the building to form the main body of the building. There is no need for any frame and beam support indoors, but airtightness must be maintained to maintain indoor air pressure. The commonly used shapes of air-bearing membrane structures are spherical and cylindrical (Figure 1, Figure 2).

2. Air-ribbed membrane structure: The membrane surface itself forms a closed curved surface and a confined space, and the shape is usually tubular. The pressurized gas acts on the membrane surface and can form a self-balancing system. The indoor space of the air-ribbed membrane structure does not need to be airtight, and people are relatively free to enter and exit (Figure 3).

3. Air pillow membrane structure: generally refers to a structural system composed of multiple air pillow units. The membrane surface of each air pillow unit forms a closed curved surface and a closed space, and its periphery is fixed on a rigid frame (Figure 4).

4. Airbag membrane structure: The membrane surface itself forms a closed curved surface and a closed space. The shape is a capsule with a large size. The entire structure can be composed of one capsule. The internal pressurized gas acts on the membrane surface, and the structure itself can be formed. The self-balancing system can also be fixed on the periphery or supported on a rigid boundary. (Figure 5)

The above-mentioned four types of inflatable membrane structures are common forms in current engineering. Of course, with the development of science and technology and technological progress, more and more novel and efficient inflatable membrane structures may be created in engineering practice.

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