Multi-layered pneumatically supported structures

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a structure that comprises at least one layer of air beams that define an interior space of the structure wherein laterally adjacent air beams are configured to laterally abut each other. Optionally the structure comprises at least a first layer of a plurality of air beams and a second layer of a second plurality of air beams, wherein the second layer is positioned adjacent to and interior to the first layer for defining an interior space of the protective structure. A structure with laterally abutting air beams may better protect the occupants and contents within the structure from the effects of an explosion. Constructing a structure with at least two layers of air beams may provide a stiffer structure as compared to a structure that is constructed from a single layer of air beams.

1 . A structure comprising at least a first layer of a plurality of air beams and a second layer of a second plurality of air beams, wherein the second layer is positioned adjacent to and interior to the first layer for defining an interior space of the structure. 
     
     
         2 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein at least some of the plurality of air beams in the first layer are configured to be laterally abutting. 
     
     
         3 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein at least some of the plurality of air beams in the second layer are configured to be laterally abutting. 
     
     
         4 . The structure of  claim 2 , wherein at least some of the plurality of air beams in the second layer are configured to be laterally abutting. 
     
     
         5 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of air beams in the first layer are aligned centrally with the plurality of air beams in the second layer. 
     
     
         6 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of air beams in the first layer are aligned offset with the plurality of air beams in the second layer. 
     
     
         7 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein a span of the interior space is about 200 meters. 
     
     
         8 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein a span of the interior space is selected from a group of about 175 meters, about 150 meters, about 125 meters, about 100 meters or less. 
     
     
         9 . The structure of  claim 1 , wherein the interior space has a peak height of between about 2 meters and about 100 meters. 
     
     
         10 . The structure of  claim 1 , further comprising a connection system, wherein the connection system comprises a shear control system for controlling or reducing shear between the plurality of air beams in the first layer and the plurality of air beams in the second layer. 
     
     
         11 . The structure of  claim 10 , wherein the shear control system comprises at least one set of a strap and a pocket, wherein the pocket is secured to an outer surface of an air beam in one of the first layer or the second layer and the strap is wrapped around the air beam in one of the first layer or the second layer and an air beam in the other layer. 
     
     
         12 . The structure of  claim 10 , wherein the shear control system comprises a set a first hug strap, a second hug strap and a length of webbing, wherein the first hug strap is securable about an outer surface of an air beam in the first layer or the second layer and the second hug strap is securable about an outer surface of an air beam in the other layer, wherein the first hug strap is offset from the second hug strap and both hug straps are configured to receive a portion of the length of webbing therethrough within a contact area between the first layer and the second layer. 
     
     
         13 . The structure of  claim 10 , wherein the shear control system comprises a set of a pair of fixed point connectors and a bracing strap, wherein one of the pair of fixed point connectors is secured to an outer surface of an air beam in the first layer or the second layer and another of the pair of fixed point connectors is secured to an outer surface of an air beam in the other layer, and wherein the bracing strap is connected at each end to one of the pair of fixed point connectors. 
     
     
         14 . The structure of  claim 13 , wherein the bracing strap has an adjustable length. 
     
     
         15 . The structure of  claim 10 , wherein the shear control system comprises a hook portion and a loop portion, wherein the hook portion is secured to an outer surface of an air beam in the first layer or the second layer and the loop portion is secured to an outer surface of an air beam in the other layer, wherein the hook portion and the loop portion are mateable to form a hook and loop fastener. 
     
     
         16 . The structure of  claim 1 , further comprising a third layer of a plurality of air beams, wherein the third layer is adjacent the first layer. 
     
     
         17 . A structure that comprises at least one layer of air beams that define an interior space of the structure wherein laterally adjacent air beams are configured to laterally abut each other. 
     
     
         18 . The structure of  claim 17 , wherein there is one layer of air beams. 
     
     
         19 . The structure of  claim 17 , wherein there is more than one layer of air beams, wherein an interior layer of air beams defines the interior space.