A Structural Air Dome (or air-supported structure) is a large clear-span building that has the benefit of requiring no internal supporting structural elements. The structural integrity is derived from the use of a small internal positive pressure that is indiscernible to occupants. This pressure supports a pliable structural fabric envelope of one, two or three layers. The patented full bias cable harness net tethered to a foundation system counteracts the internal pressure acting on the membrane. Any external forces acting on the building such as wind, snow load or seismic action are countered by this internal pressure acting in concert with the structural elements (fabrics, cable harness, and foundation). As such external forces increase, the control system acts to increase the internal pressure to stiffen the dome. Access is via specially designed doors and loading bays to maintain internal pressure.

While there are a number of variables and different design options, in general the larger the clear-span width and height required, the more cost effective our structures are compared with similar scale buildings of tradtional designs. As a rule of thumb, an ASATI Air Structured Dome will be from 1/3 to 1/10th of the cost of a conventionally constructed building.

Very! ASATI have structures that have been performing for many years in some of the harshest environments in the world, not only in northern and mountaineous zones in North America, but also high in the Andes Mountains, in Siberia, Northern China, and Mongolia where heavy snow and winds are common. The Maimi Dolphins chose ASATI to cope with Level 4 hurricanes that strike Florida, where windspeeds measure in excess of 150 mph (241kmh). Confidence comes from knowing ASATI have a track record of more than 55 years, wtith more than 5000 structures completed. ASATI have a number of patented design and engineering differences that make them incredibly durable - in particular they invented and patented the full-bias cable harness net system - a computer designed lattice work of steel cables that transform a structure from an unstable bubble of air to an air structure. ASATI do not compromise on materials, and the structural fabrics they specify are sourced from the most reputable and time-proven suppliers such as Du Pont and Seamans, who guarantee their products with up to 20 years.

ASATI Broadspan structures are significantly more energy efficient than conventional steel truss structures covered in steel cladding or single layer tensioned fabric. Depending on the purpose and design of your dome, there are up to three energy input requirements:

Inflation/Pressure:

This is the only mandatory energy input. The level of power consumption depends on how large the structure is but by way of example a dome large enough to cover a soccer field (around 7500sqm) would require around 110,000 - 130,000 kwh per annum. In New Zealand this equates to an annual electrical bill of $25,000 - $30,000 to keep the structure at the required pressure. The inflation units can also be run with solar if sustainable solutions are desirable.

HVAC:

If heating and cooling of the dome is required, our ASATI's efficient HVAC systems combined with our multilayer designs can deliver insulation levels to R 2.1. This when combined with the energy efficient dome shape which means less surface area for heat loss, means that under typical NZ conditions, the internal temperature stays stable, and air conditioning (if required at all) power costs are much lower than traditional steel clearspan structures. Our HVAC systems are designed for air domes, and prevent heat stratifcation meaning constant temperatures from the ceiling to the floor.

Lighting:

Transulcent fabrics and skylights can also be provided in your design. This means that even on the cloudiest day there is high levels of natural light within the structure, so that the highly energy efficient G2 LED Hanglites we use will not have to be turned on except for night-time operations.

No. The pressure inside the dome is indiscernable to the outside. Our strcutures run at a low 0.35 psi, or around 2.58 kpa. This is similar pressure to when you puff out your cheeks. You will experience the same increase in pressure in entering a Structural Air Dome as you would iin taking an elevator from the 10th floor of a building to the ground floor. In other words, you will not notice any pressure difference at all.

A long time. The fabric membrane will need replacing from between 25-30 years. Through the use of the best fabrics with self cleaning and UV protective coatings the fabric will still be looking good after all those years, but we recommend changing the membrane to ensure that the outer membrane tensile strength remains. This is a relatively straightforward process that will not require significant downtime for the facility. ASATI will manufacture a replacement membrane in the US and ship it to site. Our local contractors, and Broadspan technical team will remove the LED light fixtures before deflating your structure. The old membrane will then be removed, and the new membrane installed retaining the existing components such as the cable harness net, foundations, tethering hardware, HVAC and blowers. Given the weight of the structure is only around 1kg per sqm, the process can be carried out with no risk of damage to internal surfaces, structures or equipment that can't be removed.

Yes, they are one of the safest types of structures.

The membrane and cable harness weigh no more than 1kg per sqm meaning that they are very safe buildings to be in even during an earthquake. If in the highly unlikely circumstances the structure was to rupture and deflate to rapidly for all occupants to exit in time, then they can just be cut out from underneath the membrane.

The fabrics we use are tested and proven to meet the most stringent fire codes across multiple US state and international jurisdications. Our Du Pont and Seamans material are highly fire retardent/self extinguishing. There has never been a fire death in an ASATI structure, nor has an air supported dome structure itself caught fire.

In the unlikely event that a tear was to occur in one of our structures, it will not deflate. Our cable harness net prevents rip propogation, allowing the structure to be quickly and easily repaired.

ASATI structures come with an emergency back up system to ensure uninterrupted operation of your dome even if the power fails, or mechanical breakdown of the main inflation units. Our system is equipped with a back up generator (gas or diesel) and blowers that will automatically kick in if the front line system fails for whatever reason.