Inflatable structures are structures made of a flexible outer membrane or fabric that is filled with gas, such as air or helium. The gas gives shape and strength to the structure. Uses include roofs and covers, mock castles and games, sails, airships, furniture, aerospace structures, boats, escape slides, security mattresses, swimming pools, coverings, buildings and pavilions, and air bags.Inflatable structures are supported by blowing air inside the structure, which is reflected in their name. It could seem that this would be uncomfortable for visitors to be inside of the structure; however air-pressure changes inside the structure are very minimal and not more than natural barometrical fluctuations.
Construction
The surfaces are typically composed of thick, strong PVC or vinyl and nylon, and the castle is inflated using an electric or petrol-powered blower. The principle is one of constant leakage, meaning small punctures are not a problem - a medium-size "bouncy castle" requires a fan with a mechanical output of about two horsepower (consuming around 2 kW electrical power, allowing for the efficiency of the motor). UK and Australian bouncy castles have specifications calling for fully inflated walls on three sides with an open front and foam "crash mats" to catch children who may jump or fall out of the structure. Modern moonwalks in the US are typically supported by inflatable columns and enclosed with netting. The netting allows for supervision as adults can see in from all sides. Cheaper inflatable structures are usually made of polyester rather than nylon PVC and do not use a blower, instead they are inflated with a pump similar to an airbed. They do not last as long and it is illegal in the UK and USA to hire these out. Another type of home-use inflatable has evolved, with a blower pumping in air continuously. Pores in the seams and material allow air to escape as kids play, while the blower continues to inflate the unit. This category has emerged as a response to parents who wish to buy an inflatable for home use. Inflatable structure 3
Standards
In 2005 the most severe standards in the construction of an inflatable amusement were adopted nationally in Australia, forming Federal Standard AS3533.4. This was a landmark safety standard bringing the toughest design/construction/operation standards to the inflatable industry of Australia. In 2006 the European Union (EU) followed and introduced similar Federal standards throughout Europe called EN14960:2006 In the US, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, require inflatables to pass engineering and safety standards before allowing the equipment to be rented out.
Types of air inflatable structures
There are a few main types of air domes, i.e. high and low profile (referring to the height of the structure) structures:
High-profile constructions are mostly used when the structure is to be run temporarily or periodically on a "zero" ground base.
Low-profile constructions are used for large-scale overall dimension structures, such as stadiums, large sports complexes, etc. Also they are most often built on buildings themselves, but not on a "zero" base level. Cross cables hold the roof down. Covering material
The structure’s awning is calculated by estimating snow and wind loads according to local building regulations. The material is welded and installed as a one-piece cover, securing an absolute impermeability of the structure. The cover is manufactured from flame retardant (DIN4102B1/M2 standard), light translucent material, both sides of which are covered by an acrylic layer. It is possible to produce the structure from blackout (light-proof) material of your chosen color. Special fastening units, produced from galvanized steel, arrange connecting structure to the ground.
Inner layer
In order to insulate the structure, minimize condensation, and improve acoustic properties, an air-gap can be made by fitting an additional layer of PVC material from the inside of an air supported structure.
Air cell inflatables are advanced constructions (often referred to as pneumatic structures) made with two layers of material with fabric formers perpendicular in between. They are self-supporting and self-erectable by means of an air fan only with no need for foundation, hardware or guy wires.
Air cell inflatable buildings (or pneumatic buildings) act as permanent structures rather than temporary ones having high torsional stiffness, which allows them to withstand wind up to 80 knots and snow load up to 140kg/m2.
Inflatable buildings can support loads on the roof and walls for lighting, lifting and other cabling requirements. They have great thermal and sound insulation properties, and tolerate temperatures from -30 °C to + 70°C.
The life expectancy of inflatable buildings depends upon the climate in which they are installed and particularly the levels of UV light to which the pneumatic structures are exposed. An inflatable structure erected outdoors should survive for 10 years in the Tropics and for 20 years in European conditions. If the inflatables are kept indoors they will last almost indefinitely.
There are almost no limitations as to design geometry for the inflatable constructions – Lindstrand’s facilities are capable of producing almost anything in fabric. However, the building must have a sufficient air gap to create the required rigidity, and large flat horizontal areas are to be avoided.
Portable architecture brings no disruption to the site because inflatable buildings are manufactured entirely off-site and can usually be installed within a day.
Pneumatic buildings and structures can be used in practically any environment and are ideally suited both for military and civil applications.
Construction
The surfaces are typically composed of thick, strong PVC or vinyl and nylon, and the castle is inflated using an electric or petrol-powered blower. The principle is one of constant leakage, meaning small punctures are not a problem - a medium-size "bouncy castle" requires a fan with a mechanical output of about two horsepower (consuming around 2 kW electrical power, allowing for the efficiency of the motor). UK and Australian bouncy castles have specifications calling for fully inflated walls on three sides with an open front and foam "crash mats" to catch children who may jump or fall out of the structure. Modern moonwalks in the US are typically supported by inflatable columns and enclosed with netting. The netting allows for supervision as adults can see in from all sides. Cheaper inflatable structures are usually made of polyester rather than nylon PVC and do not use a blower, instead they are inflated with a pump similar to an airbed. They do not last as long and it is illegal in the UK and USA to hire these out. Another type of home-use inflatable has evolved, with a blower pumping in air continuously. Pores in the seams and material allow air to escape as kids play, while the blower continues to inflate the unit. This category has emerged as a response to parents who wish to buy an inflatable for home use. Inflatable structure 3
Standards
In 2005 the most severe standards in the construction of an inflatable amusement were adopted nationally in Australia, forming Federal Standard AS3533.4. This was a landmark safety standard bringing the toughest design/construction/operation standards to the inflatable industry of Australia. In 2006 the European Union (EU) followed and introduced similar Federal standards throughout Europe called EN14960:2006 In the US, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, require inflatables to pass engineering and safety standards before allowing the equipment to be rented out.
Types of air inflatable structures
There are a few main types of air domes, i.e. high and low profile (referring to the height of the structure) structures:
High-profile constructions are mostly used when the structure is to be run temporarily or periodically on a "zero" ground base.
Low-profile constructions are used for large-scale overall dimension structures, such as stadiums, large sports complexes, etc. Also they are most often built on buildings themselves, but not on a "zero" base level. Cross cables hold the roof down. Covering material
The structure’s awning is calculated by estimating snow and wind loads according to local building regulations. The material is welded and installed as a one-piece cover, securing an absolute impermeability of the structure. The cover is manufactured from flame retardant (DIN4102B1/M2 standard), light translucent material, both sides of which are covered by an acrylic layer. It is possible to produce the structure from blackout (light-proof) material of your chosen color. Special fastening units, produced from galvanized steel, arrange connecting structure to the ground.
Inner layer
In order to insulate the structure, minimize condensation, and improve acoustic properties, an air-gap can be made by fitting an additional layer of PVC material from the inside of an air supported structure.
Air cell inflatables are advanced constructions (often referred to as pneumatic structures) made with two layers of material with fabric formers perpendicular in between. They are self-supporting and self-erectable by means of an air fan only with no need for foundation, hardware or guy wires.
Air cell inflatable buildings (or pneumatic buildings) act as permanent structures rather than temporary ones having high torsional stiffness, which allows them to withstand wind up to 80 knots and snow load up to 140kg/m2.
Inflatable buildings can support loads on the roof and walls for lighting, lifting and other cabling requirements. They have great thermal and sound insulation properties, and tolerate temperatures from -30 °C to + 70°C.
The life expectancy of inflatable buildings depends upon the climate in which they are installed and particularly the levels of UV light to which the pneumatic structures are exposed. An inflatable structure erected outdoors should survive for 10 years in the Tropics and for 20 years in European conditions. If the inflatables are kept indoors they will last almost indefinitely.
There are almost no limitations as to design geometry for the inflatable constructions – Lindstrand’s facilities are capable of producing almost anything in fabric. However, the building must have a sufficient air gap to create the required rigidity, and large flat horizontal areas are to be avoided.
Portable architecture brings no disruption to the site because inflatable buildings are manufactured entirely off-site and can usually be installed within a day.
Pneumatic buildings and structures can be used in practically any environment and are ideally suited both for military and civil applications.
