A Structural Air Dome (or air-supported structure) is a large clear-span building that has the benefit of requiring no internal structural elements to support the roof. The structural integrity is derived from the use of a small internal positive pressure differential to outside that is indiscernible to occupants - the same pressure in the dome as if were to puff out your cheeks, or the difference in pressure from taking a lift from the top floor of a ten story building to the ground floor. This pressure supports a pliable structural fabric envelope. The patented full bias cable harness net tethered to a foundation system counteracts the internal pressure's uplift force. Any external forces acting on the building such as wind, snow load or seismic action are countered by the internal pressure working in concert with the structural components of the system (fabric membrane, cable harness, and foundation). As external forces acting on the dome increase, the control systems act to increase the internal pressure to stiffen the structure. To maintain the pressure in the structure access is via specially designed doors and loading bays to maintain internal pressure.

One of the most significant advantages of our system is the low construction cost. There are many variables that will determine how much less an air supported strucure will cost than a similarly dimensioned conventionally building. But, the larger the clear span width and height required the greater the orice differential in favour of the air span structure. A structural air dome will cost any where from 1/3 to 1/10 of a normal structure.

Power consumption to maintain dome pressure even in a large structure is relatively low. Once the dome has been inflated, the highly efficient inflation units operate only as required to replace the minimal amount of air lost from the structure. A large dome of 8000 sqm (100m x 80m) would require between 110,000 to 125,000 kw/h per annum. At current power costs in NZ, this would represent an annual cost of $22,500 to $27,500.

Our structures are designed to meet the most stringent of building codes, and to cope with the harshest of conditions including winds of 241kph and heavy snow falls, ASATI structures are chosen by those when a compromise on quality isnt an option. Siberia, the Andes, Outer Mongolia are just a selection of locations where our structures are installed. ASATI take pride in using only the best architectural fabrics from leading manufacturers, backed by 20 year guarantees. The lifespan of the fabric membrane is 30 years and the key to the strength, durability and longevity is full bias cable harness net that ASATI invented and patented.