Deflections of pneumatic masts and columns

Thomas, J C and Le Van, A (2021) Deflections of pneumatic masts and columns. Architectural Engineering and Design Management, 17(3-4), pp. 299-315. ISSN 1745-2007

Abstract

Like all structural elements, inflatable beams can be subjected to combined loads. This may be the case for inflatable masts or inflatable columns supporting floors. This study addresses inflatable beams subjected to combinations of compression and bending. Whereas the mechanics of inflatable beams subjected only to transverse loading is now well established, the study of inflatable beams subjected to combined loads has still received few investigation. Furthermore, whereas the effects of individual loads are superimposed when beams are made of conventional materials such as steel, the problem is more complex for inflatable beams since compressive forces counteract the effects of internal pressure and reduce the stiffness. This study presents new analytical formulas for inflatable beams subjected to bending and compressive loads. Buckling load and wrinkling limit load are also proposed, taking into account the internal pressure.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: buckling; inflatable beam; lightweight structure; membrane structure; pneumatic structure
Index terms: column, compression, beam, loading, investigation
Subjects: structural engineering, data collection methods, construction operations, material properties and characteristics
Topics: Site Management, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Construction Materials
Descriptive scope: 3 PCA

N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here