Collapse by Ponding of Air-Supported Membranes

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Abstract
An examination is made of the stability of a cylindrical air-supported membrane supporting a central line load and subject to ponding by a fluid in the hollow so caused. A critical value of the central load is shown to exist and its value is obtained by a numerical analysis. Results from the analysis indicate that low profile air-supported structures should be less liable to failure by this mode of collapse than inflatables with a semi-circular profile. However, under normal operating pressures even the latter require loads of the order of 400 N/m (27 lb/ft) in the presence of water to cause collapse of structures with a span of 50 m. Nevertheless designs should be examined carefully in view of possiblee pressure reductions coinciding with internal or external roof loadings.

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