Experimental deployment behavior of air-inflated fabric arches and a full-scale fabric arch frame

• Deployment dynamics of single arches and an arch frame were studied by tests.
• Deployment difficulties and stress concentration might occur during inflation.
• Geometric parameters and deflated layouts significantly affect deployment pressure.
• External facilitations can substantially lower deployment difficulties.
• Finite element simulation and stress analysis agree with test observations.

Extensive research efforts have been dedicated to understanding the static behavior of air-inflated fabric arch structures, while little research has been conducted in regard to their dynamic deployment behavior and self-erection feasibility during the construction phase. Deployment difficulties, air flow obstruction, stress concentration and local membrane damage might occur. This paper presents an experimental study on the dynamic deployment performance of four small scale single arches and one full scale arch frame. Pressure sensors were used to achieve instant air state data within arch structures during inflation. Digital videos and digital cameras were applied to simultaneously and continuously capture the arch formation. Control volume finite element analysis was performed to simulate the deployment and reveal membrane stress development. Results show that, in most cases, fabric arches are able to self-deploy when certain levels of pressure are achieved. Only one of them failed to erect properly. Geometric parameters of arches and their initial deflated layouts have significant influence on the deployment pressure. External facilitations, such as partially elevating the arches or providing sliding supports at the base, help to substantially lower the deployment pressure. The control volume method proves to be applicable in simulating dynamic deployment of fabric arches. Stress analysis shows that stress concentration occurs at bending areas and connections during inflation. The full-scale fabric arch frame presents adequate structural integrity in its deployment process.