Air-supported structure
An air-supported (or air-inflated) structure is any building that derives its structural integrity from the use of internal pressurized air to inflate a pliable material (i.e. structural fabric) envelope, so that air is the main support of the structure, and where access is via airlocks.
The concept was implemented on a large scale by David H. Geiger with the United States pavilion at Expo '70 in Osaka, Japan in 1970.
It is usually dome-shaped, since this shape creates the greatest volume for the least amount of material. To maintain structural integrity, the structure must be pressurized such that the internal pressure equals or exceeds any external pressure being applied to the structure (i.e. wind pressure). The structure does not have to be airtight to retain structural integrity—as long as the pressurization system that supplies internal pressure replaces any air leakage, the structure will remain stable. All access to the structure interior must be equipped with some form of airlock—typically either two sets of parallel doors or a revolving door or both. Air-supported structures are secured by heavy weights on the ground, ground anchors, attached to a foundation, or a combination of these.
Among its many uses are: sports and recreation facilities, warehousing, temporary shelters, and radomes. The structure can be either wholly, partial, or roof-only air supported. A fully air-supported structure can be intended to be a temporary or semi-temporary facility or permanent, whereas a structure with only an air-supported roof can be built as a permanent building.
The largest air-supported dome in the world was "The Dome" in Anchorage, Alaska at 180,000 square feet (17,000 m2) before being converted to a retractable roof in 2011.
The largest air-supported dome in the world is currently being constructed in the Hudson Valley of New York State in the town of East Fishkill. Built by Air Structures American Technologies Inc. (ASATI), it is scheduled to open in September of 2017 and will be called The SportsKingDome. It will feature a 160 feet (49 m) high ceiling and 350,000 square feet (33,000 m2) of training space for athletics.
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