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
Designing for neurodiversity: driving change for the better
Accessible inclusive design translated into reality.
RIBA detailed response to Grenfell Inquiry Phase 2 report
Briefing notes following its initial 4 September response.
Approved Document B: Fire Safety from March
Current and future changes with historical documentation.
A New Year, a new look for BSRIA
As phase 1 of the BSRIA Living Laboratory is completed.
A must-attend event for the architecture industry.
Caroline Gumble to step down as CIOB CEO in 2025
After transformative tenure take on a leadership role within the engineering sector.
RIDDOR and the provisional statistics for 2023 / 2024
Work related deaths; over 50 percent from constructuon and 50 percent recorded as fall from height.
Solar PV company fined for health and safety failure
Work at height not properly planned and failure to take suitable steps to prevent a fall.
The term value when assessing the viability of developments
Consultation on the compulsory purchase process, compensation reforms and potential removal of hope value.
Trees are part of the history of how places have developed.
The increasing costs of repair and remediation
Highlighted by regulator of social housing, as acceleration plan continues.
Free topic guide on mould in buildings
The new TG 26/2024 published by BSRIA.
Greater control for LAs over private rental selective licensing
A brief explanation of changes with the NRLA response.
Practice costs for architectural technologists
Salary standards and working out what you’re worth.
The Health and Safety Executive at 50
And over 200 years of Operational Safety and Health.
Thermal imaging surveys a brief intro
Thermal Imaging of Buildings; a pocket guide BG 72/2017.