PNEUMOHANGARS AND STORAGE

Airframe structures (AFS) first appeared in the middle of the XX century.

The idea for a building with no struts or supports came from the world of balloons and airships. The first air-supported structures were the DEW (long-range early warning) line domes used to protect radar equipment in the harsh Alaskan climate.

These were air-supported buildings (ASB). The stability of the framework of such structures was maintained by generators and systems of continuous maintenance of excess atmospheric pressure. The essential disadvantage of such structures was essentially one – the fuel used to maintain the dome burned out instantly.

At the end of the XX century with the development of technology it became possible to mass-produce inflatable airframe structures of large spans. This is a more advanced technology compared to air-supported structures, which does not require constant pumping of air, and hence overconsumption of energy (fuel or electricity).

Our company has extensive experience in the manufacture and operation of large-span airframe structures – pneumoangars. To date, more than 200 projects with a total area of over 150,000 square meters have been implemented.

Pneumohangars were in demand primarily for the development of new territories, because of its mobility, erection speed and resistance to harsh conditions. The main advantage over other quickly erected structures (e.g., metal frame structures) is the rapid assembly and disassembly of pneumatic construction. It is not necessary to have a special foundation, a relatively flat surface is enough to deploy a pneumoangar on the ground.
Mobility due to compactness and ease of transportation, the minimum number of approvals from regulatory agencies and an affordable price tag made AFS attractive for solving the mass of commercial and industrial problems.

Pneumoangars developed by the factory «Olymp» are suitable for a wide range of tasks. Our pneumatic structures are suitable for use in any climatic zone, including in the Far North. The materials from which we manufacture our products withstand temperature fluctuations from -50 to +60 °C. Our experts calculate the wind and snow loads for each climatic zone, which eliminates mechanical damage to the surface and ensures a long service life. Based on the objectives and wishes of customers we additionally install a heating system to maintain a comfortable microclimate inside the entire space of the hangar.

The main material in the manufacture of pneumoangars is a reinforced five-layer PVC fabric. It meets the requirements of fire safety, is resistant to ultraviolet light and is a reliable protection against other adverse environmental conditions. PVC flaps are connected to each other by means of hot air welding technology seams. With this method of connection, the bleed strength of the welded joints is at least 1.2 kN in the longitudinal direction and 1.1 kN in the transverse direction. This means that a tear is more likely to occur in a single piece of PVC than at the point of connection. But don’t worry, under normal conditions PVC fabric will never break.

It takes an average of two months from the development of the layout to the erection of a pneumatic frame structure at the customer’s site. The area and shape of the object is essentially unlimited. We produce any type of pneumohangars, any shape (from classic rectangular to freestanding rooms with independent of each other vestibules or transitions), any size (from 100 to 10000 m²), focusing on your needs.

The methods of fixing the AFS on the ground are as follows:

Anchoring method

If you choose this method of securing the AFS, you will need a concrete base. The anchor is installed in a hole specially made for it, then the arch or end wall is attached to it. Airframe dome with this method of attachment can be erected over already completed structures (swimming pools, sports fields, etc.).

The pile method

This method is relevant if there is no concrete base on the ground. A level ground is enough for pile anchoring. Holes are prepared in the soil with a drilling machine, special blanks (piles) are inserted into them, and then the fastening is done by the anchoring method. Anchors are screwed into the piles, and the elements of the structure are attached to the anchors.

The ballast method

Bags of sand are placed inside the arches, which are essentially ballast. Ballast is installed through specialized sealed zipper locks, which are pre-welded into the elements of the structure. This ensures the stability of the structure.
Tests have shown that the anchoring method is suitable for use in places where wind speed does not exceed 20-25 m/sec. The ballast method, on the other hand, ensures the stability of pneumohangars at wind speeds of 47-53 m/s.

But with all the convenience of this method of fastening PCC (cases where the customer does not have the opportunity to use the concrete base, not uncommon), there is one significant disadvantage. It is not possible to create a complete seal at the zipper locks, so more air and therefore energy is required to maintain the necessary pressure when choosing the ballasted method of attachment.

Pneumohangars, installed on a flat surface without the use of foundations, piles or other method of attachment to the ground, are classified as a temporary type of building. No special permits are required for their installation. Mobile inflatable structures are included in the category of movable property, which means that the owner of such a prefabricated and mobile structure is not subject to property tax. Do not forget that the price of prefabricated hangar is several times lower than that of permanent structures.