Pneumatic Structure

Pneumatic structures are membrane structures comprised of the volume of inflated air. They are extremely lightweight structures. An existing internal pressure prestresses the enveloping membranes that are subjected to tension, and counteracts the external loads. The membranes usually consist of ETFE foils.
Fundamentally, we can distinguish between the air-supported single-layer membrane structures and the air-inflated multilayer membrane structures. Since there are other substances that are also used as the supporting medium in some cases, the terms medium-supported and medium-filled are also used.
In the case of single-layer membrane structures, often referred to as air halls, the increased internal pressure (overpressure) in the entire hall interior counteracts the atmospheric air pressure.
In the case of multilayer membrane structures, often referred to as pneumatic cushions, there are at least two membrane layers surrounding the enclosed air volume. The membranes are prestressed and stabilized by the prevailing positive or negative pressure in the air volume.
Such structural systems are called low-pressure systems because the required overpressure or underpressure in the enveloped air volume is rather low with the maximum of about 1,000 Pa. The counterpart to these are hose structures (high-pressure systems).

Classification of Pneumatic Structures

01 Overview of Various Types of Pneumatic Membrane Structures

Model of Air Dome

• 3D Viewer | Google
• 3D Viewer | Babylon
• Virtual Reality

1624x

Air Dome

Facade Model with Pneumatic Cushions

• 3D Viewer | Google
• 3D Viewer | Babylon
• Virtual Reality

1989x

Honeycomb-Like Facade