Title: Some issues on the design and analysis of pneumatic structures

Authors: Ruy Marcelo De Oliveira Pauletti

Addresses: Department of Structural and Geotechnical Engineering, Polytechnic School of the University of Sao Paulo, P.O. Box 61548 – 05424-970 Sao Paulo, Brazil

Abstract: Pneumatic structures are the tensile structures par excellence, since only with them it is possible to have all elements working in tension. This paper describes the evolution of pneumatic structures, as well as several issues related to its design, such as different pattering methods, the distinctions between high and low energy systems, and whether large strain material models, pressure variations or cable sliding are required to proper design. Selected civil engineering applications, designed by means of simple numerical models, are also presented.

Keywords: pneumatic structures; tension structures; membrane structures; historical evolution; structural design; structural analysis; sliding cables; civil engineering; modelling; strain material models; pressure variation; structural engineering.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTRUCTE.2010.033480

International Journal of Structural Engineering, 2010 Vol.1 No.3/4, pp.217 - 240

Published online: 02 Jun 2010 *

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