Inflatable building
Inflatable buildings are constructed using two layers of membrane connected together to form inflatable 'cushions'. Membranes are usually less than 1 mm thick, and air is used to pressurise the cavity between them to form a 'rigid', structurally stable element, capable of spanning large distances.
Inflatable buildings differ from air-supported buildings, which are formed by a single-layer membrane that is supported by pressurisation of the whole interior of the building. An air-supported building prevents air from being lost when access points are opened by using airlocks, which maintain the level of air pressure inside the occupied space. Inflatable buildings have a lower power requirement than inflatable buildings as they require a lower volume of pressurised air.
Inflatable buildings are typically used for warehouses and other storage facilities, sports facilities, stadia, shopping centres and so on. Since the amount of material used for inflatable buildings is relatively low, they can be portable, with the air allowed to escape before the membrane is packed down to a small volume.
Inflatable structures (or inflatables) can also be used to create specific components such as; escape slides, mattresses, swimming and paddling pools, play slides, bouncy castles, and so on.
Legal requirements apply to the supply, hire and use of inflatable play equipment for commercial purposes, but not to private, domestic buyers and users. Inflatables can be dangerous in terms of user injuries as well as being unsuitable in high winds if inadequately secured.
Inflatables should be checked before buying or hiring for an event to ensure they comply with BS EN 14960. A label should provide information about when the inflatable was made, how many people can use it and their maximum heights. Once the inflatable is fully inflated, it should be inspected prior to use to check that the site is suitable, that the anchorages are secure, and the internal air pressure provides a firm footing.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Plumbing and heating systems in schools
New apprentice pay rates coming into effect in the new year
Addressing the impact of recent national minimum wage changes.
EBSSA support for the new industry competence structure
The Engineering and Building Services Skills Authority, in working group 2.
Notes from BSRIA Sustainable Futures briefing
From carbon down to the all important customer: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
Principal Designer: A New Opportunity for Architects
ACA launches a Principal Designer Register for architects.
A new government plan for housing and nature recovery
Exploring a new housing and infrastructure nature recovery framework.
Leveraging technology to enhance prospects for students
A case study on the significance of the Autodesk Revit certification.
Fundamental Review of Building Regulations Guidance
Announced during commons debate on the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report.
CIAT responds to the updated National Planning Policy Framework
With key changes in the revised NPPF outlined.
Councils and communities highlighted for delivery of common-sense housing in planning overhaul
As government follows up with mandatory housing targets.
CIOB photographic competition final images revealed
Art of Building produces stunning images for another year.
HSE prosecutes company for putting workers at risk
Roofing company fined and its director sentenced.
Strategic restructure to transform industry competence
EBSSA becomes part of a new industry competence structure.
Major overhaul of planning committees proposed by government
Planning decisions set to be fast-tracked to tackle the housing crisis.
Industry Competence Steering Group restructure
ICSG transitions to the Industry Competence Committee (ICC) under the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
Principal Contractor Competency Certification Scheme
CIOB PCCCS competence framework for Principal Contractors.
The CIAT Principal Designer register
Issues explained via a series of FAQs.