US3643910A - Inflatable forms - Google Patents

Inflatable forms Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US3643910A
US3643910A US805143A US3643910DA US3643910A US 3643910 A US3643910 A US 3643910A US 805143 A US805143 A US 805143A US 3643910D A US3643910D A US 3643910DA US 3643910 A US3643910 A US 3643910A
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
base
base ring
flexible
segments
rim
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
US805143A
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Haim Heifetz
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US3643910A publication Critical patent/US3643910A/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04B—GENERAL BUILDING CONSTRUCTIONS; WALLS, e.g. PARTITIONS; ROOFS; FLOORS; CEILINGS; INSULATION OR OTHER PROTECTION OF BUILDINGS
    • E04B1/00—Constructions in general; Structures which are not restricted either to walls, e.g. partitions, or floors or ceilings or roofs
    • E04B1/16—Structures made from masses, e.g. of concrete, cast or similarly formed in situ with or without making use of additional elements, such as permanent forms, substructures to be coated with load-bearing material
    • E04B1/167—Structures made from masses, e.g. of concrete, cast or similarly formed in situ with or without making use of additional elements, such as permanent forms, substructures to be coated with load-bearing material with permanent forms made of particular materials, e.g. layered products
    • E04B1/168—Structures made from masses, e.g. of concrete, cast or similarly formed in situ with or without making use of additional elements, such as permanent forms, substructures to be coated with load-bearing material with permanent forms made of particular materials, e.g. layered products flexible
    • E04B1/169—Structures made from masses, e.g. of concrete, cast or similarly formed in situ with or without making use of additional elements, such as permanent forms, substructures to be coated with load-bearing material with permanent forms made of particular materials, e.g. layered products flexible inflatable
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
    • E04G11/00—Forms, shutterings, or falsework for making walls, floors, ceilings, or roofs
    • E04G11/04—Forms, shutterings, or falsework for making walls, floors, ceilings, or roofs for structures of spherical, spheroid or similar shape, or for cupola structures of circular or polygonal horizontal or vertical section; Inflatable forms
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04G—SCAFFOLDING; FORMS; SHUTTERING; BUILDING IMPLEMENTS OR AIDS, OR THEIR USE; HANDLING BUILDING MATERIALS ON THE SITE; REPAIRING, BREAKING-UP OR OTHER WORK ON EXISTING BUILDINGS
    • E04G11/00—Forms, shutterings, or falsework for making walls, floors, ceilings, or roofs
    • E04G11/04—Forms, shutterings, or falsework for making walls, floors, ceilings, or roofs for structures of spherical, spheroid or similar shape, or for cupola structures of circular or polygonal horizontal or vertical section; Inflatable forms
    • E04G11/045—Inflatable forms
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
    • E04H15/20—Tents or canopies, in general inflatable, e.g. shaped, strengthened or supported by fluid pressure
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E04—BUILDING
    • E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
    • E04H15/00—Tents or canopies, in general
    • E04H15/20—Tents or canopies, in general inflatable, e.g. shaped, strengthened or supported by fluid pressure
    • E04H15/22—Tents or canopies, in general inflatable, e.g. shaped, strengthened or supported by fluid pressure supported by air pressure inside the tent

Definitions

  • This invention relates to inflatable forms of the kind which have been proposed for use in the construction of shells for use in building, such shells being formed by the casting or gunning of cementitious or plastic materials or the like on the form after the latter has been inflated.
  • Various proposals have hitherto been made for the use of inflatable forms in building construction. None of these prior proposals, however, have led to a practical economic method of construction and, in consequence, there has been very little exploitation or development of the idea.
  • domes produced under such conditions are subject to disintegration in view of the development of planes of ruptureland it has in fact been proposed to provide such forms with expensive reinforcing rings designed to support the shell during application and setting.
  • an inflatable form for the purpose referred to and having a rim portion secured to or adapted to be secured continuously to a rigid or rigidizable base ring associated therewith and being so constructed as to be capable of resisting compressive or tensioning forces exerted thereon.
  • the base ring can, if required, be anchored to an appropriate foundation. Alternatively, the base ring can be maintained completely detached from any such foundation thereby facilitating the use of the form in the production of prefabricated shells designed for subsequent transport to a site.
  • the form is preferably manufactured of a material which is minimally extendable. Seeing that it is to all intents and purposes impossible to utilize for this purpose a completely unextendible material, which would still be within the realm of economic feasibility, steps have to be taken to ensure that the extension or stretchingof the form material during inflation should be entirely predetermined and as uniform as possible. In view of the fact that it is precisely at the rim region of the form, where it is connected to the base ring, that stretching is inhibited it is essential, in order to ensure a uniform deformation of the material during inflation, to have these rim portions prestretched to a degree comparable with the stretching of the remainder of the form during inflation.
  • a form of this kind in accordance with the present invention is particularly adapted for use with pressures of inflation which are not so high as to require form materials of exceptional strength or so low as to render difficult ifnot impossible the maintenance of the form shape against the distorting effect of the weight of the applied material and against extraneous disturbing influences, such as winds, temperature variations or the like.
  • pressures of inflation of the order of 30-60 g./cm.- can suitably be employed, the actual pressure depending, inter alia, on the size (diameter) of the form.
  • suitable control means must be provided to ensure that the pressure of inflation is maintained within well-defined limits (e.g., i l g./cm. during casting and setting of the shell. Similarly, measures have to be taken so as to ensure that the ultimate shape of the inflated form is as predetermined. Such measures are particularly required duringthe critical setting stage when the materials while inelastic are nevertheless still very sensitive to deformation.
  • the feature of having the form secured to or adapted to be secured to a rigid or rigidizable base ring facilitates the ready removal of the form from the constructed shell after the latter has set while the fact that the form is continuously secured at its rim to this base ring ensures the uniform distribution of stress in the form andthereby greatly reduces the danger of rupture of the form whicharises when the form is secured-at discrete points to a base.
  • a form provided with a base ring in accordance with the present invention can readily be adapted to withstand the very considerable elevating forces acting on the form and on its base ring when the form is inflated.
  • the form which in this case is integral with a base portion so that the form and the base portion constitute a sealed whole has its base ring associated with a plurality of transversely directed cables, rods or the like anchored thereto, the arrangement being such that when said cables are tensioned saidring is placed in compression.
  • the elevating forces previously referredto are transmitted through the base portion of the inflated form, which would otherwise assume a spherical shape, to the transversely directed cables and this downwardly directed force is transformed into transversely directed tensioning forces in the cables which in turn serves to put the base ring into compression.
  • the base ring is associated with a plurality of radially directed struts or trusses, as a result of which, the downwardly directed forces are transformed into radially directed compressive forces which serve to tension the base ring.
  • the form and its associated base structure constitute a closed force system, i.e., all forces developed in the system are retained therein and are substantially not transmitted outside the system, e.g., to the ground.
  • said form is provided with an integrally formed flexible base, the form and base constituting an inflatable sealed unit and being located between respective sets of transversely directed tensioning cables, rods or the like anchored to a base structure.
  • Such an embodiment can be readily employed for the construction of ceilings, roofs, floors or the like on, or for transport to a site.
  • the upper set of tensioning cables limits the maximum curvature of the form and the concrete or other cementitious material can be applied to the form, the upper set of cables becoming embedded therein and serving as reinforcements.
  • the lower set of cables serve to take up the downwardly directed forces consequent upon inflation of the form transforming them into tensioning forces which in their turn serve to put the base ring of the form into compression.
  • the entire assembly constitutes a closed force system.
  • FIG. I is a schematic sectional view of an inflated form and associated base structure in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic flow diagram of the air supply and control system used for inflating the form
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of the base structure of the form shown in FIG. 1,
  • FIG. 4 is a front elevation of a detail of the base structure shown in FIG. 3 showing the mode of coupling together of the constituent segments of the base structure,
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the base structure shown in FIG. 3 in a position ready to receive the form rim
  • FIG. 6 is a similar view to that of FIG. 5 but with the form rim shown firmly clamped in position
  • FIG. 7 shows, in schematic plan view, a length of anchoring pipe associated with the form rim
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the mode of entry and exit of the anchoring pipe through the base structure
  • FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of a form of the kind shown in FIG. 1 with a superimposed smaller form
  • FIG. 10 is a detail of the view shown in FIG. 9 on an enlarged scale
  • FIG. 11 shows schematically a hemispherical shell formed on a form in accordance with the invention and provided with lifting cables
  • FIG. 12 is a view, on an enlarged scale, of a detail of the shell as shown in FIG. 11,
  • FIGS. 13a 13b are respective plan and sectional views of the surface ofa form reinforced with hexagonal plates
  • FIG. 14 is a sectioned side elevation of a composite form and associated cable structure
  • FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the cable structure shown in FIG. 14,
  • FIG. 16 is a perspective view ofa portion of the composite form and cable structure shown in FIG. 14 with a portion of a cast shell roof or radial slab,
  • FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a building showing the use of a composite form and cable structure for constructing the roof
  • FIG. I8 is it perspective view of a window form and clamp associated with an inflatable form
  • FIG. 19 is a longitudinal sectional view of the clamp and form shown in FIG. 18 embedded in concrete
  • FIG. 20 is a plan view of a portion of a modified and reusable base structure in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional detailed view of a portion of the base structure shown in FIG. 20 taken along the line XXI- XXI,
  • FIG. 22 is an enlarged plan view of a detail of the base structure shown in FIG. 20, and
  • FIGS. 23, 24 and 25 are schematic longitudinal sectional views respectively of three modifications of inflated form and associated reusable base structure in accordance with the invention facilitating the construction of a substantially foundation-less structure.
  • a flexible hemispherical form 1 is anchored at its rim 2 to a base structure 3.
  • the structure 3 consists of an annular base ring 4 and a transverse cable-tensioning structure 5.
  • the latter consists of an inner ring 6 and radially directed tensioning cables 7. Each cable is secured at its inner end to the inner ring 6 and at its outer end to the annular base ring 4.
  • the form 1 is formed integrally with a flexible base 8 adapted to rest on the transverse cable tensioning structure 5.
  • the form 1 is provided with an air inlet conduit 9 whose association with the form, and whose coupling to a source of compressed air via a suitable pressure control means is illustrated in detail in FIG. 2 of the drawings.
  • the form rim 2 is associated with an anchoring pipe illustrated in detail in FIGS. 6 and 7 of the drawings and a pressure fluid supply for this anchoring pipe is introduced via a supply conduit 10.
  • the form I is supplied with compressed air from a compressor 11.
  • the form 1 is coupled to an automatic control valve 12 via a control conduit 13 which projects into the interior of the form 1 and is capable of sensing the pressure conditions prevailing in the form interior a conduit 14 couples the interior of the form l with a control mechanism 15.
  • the control valve 12 is regulatable by means of the control mechanism 15 which is provided with an outlet 16.
  • the automatic control valve is set to regulate at a given pressure level by means of the control mechanism 15 and, upon actuation of the compressor 11, the form is inflated, the pressure level in the form being thereafter maintained substantially constant.
  • the base structure consists of a base ring 4 comprising a plurality of channel-shaped segments 21 and a plurality of clamping elements 22.
  • the channel-shaped segments 21 are coupled together so as to form a ring by means of coupling elements 23 of U-shaped cross section which, as can be seen in FIG. 4 of the drawings, are inserted in the adjacent ends of respective pairs of segments, and are bolted thereto.
  • the clamping elements 22 are coupled to the channel-shaped segments 21 by means of clamping bolts 24, which extend through corresponding apertures formed in the segments 21, clamping nuts 25 being provided for the bolts 24.
  • each clamping element 22 has a question-mark profile the curved section 26 of which is designed to receive the form rim, whilst the vertical limb 27 of which is designed to be clamped against the channel-shaped segment 21.
  • the clamping of the form rim by the clamping elements not only serves to anchor the form to the base structure, but also serves to impart to the form rim a degree of prestretching. This prestretching is in many instances essential, in order to ensure that the inflated form achieves the predetermined shape.
  • One set of ends of radially directed tensioning cables 28 extend respectively between adjacent clamping elements 22 through apertures formed in the channel-shaped segments 21 and associated coupling elements 23 and clamping plates 29 to which they are firmly bolted.
  • the outer and inner set of ends of the radially directed cables 28 are respectively secured to an inner ring 30.
  • the lowermost edge or rim of the form 1 and form base 8 is formed integrally with a double walled skirt portion 31 in which is located a flexible anchoring pipe 32 the ends of which extend out through appropriate elongated apertures formed in the channel-shaped segment 21 to be connected to a pressurized water or other fluid source.
  • a dummy pipe section 33 is interposed in the clamping element so as to fill the space between the bent over portions ofthe clamping pipe 32.
  • the assembly of the form takes place as follows.
  • the form made of a minimally stretchable material, together with the form base 8 and anchoring pipe 32 as described above, is brought to the site and is spread out thereon.
  • the clamping elements 24 are loosened and, in their loosened position, the rim of the form (including the anchoring pipe 32) is inserted into the curved section 26 of the clamping elements 22, the two ends of the anchoring pipe emerging through the apertures as shown.
  • the clamping elements 22 With the form rim in position the clamping elements 22 are clamped firmly against the channel-shaped segments 21 by a tightening of the clamping bolts and water, or other fluid under pressure is forced into the anchoring pipe 32 causing it to expand so as to fill the space between the curved section of the clamping elements and the channelshaped segment and thereby securely anchors the form to the base structure.
  • a fluid filled anchoring pipe a flexible cable made for example of rubber may be employed.
  • the form 1 With the form 1 thus anchored to the base ring and with the tensioning cables 28 having been previously given a predetermined degree of slackness by turning the clamping bolts which are distributed around the periphery of the channel-shaped segments 21, the form 1 is inflated to the required working pressure depending on the size of the form (for example -60 g./cm.').
  • the control valve 12 is employed to ensure that the pressure remains substantially constant at the required level during the subsequent application of the cementitious or other material and its setting.
  • the form and its associated base structure constitute a closed force system and forces developed in this system as a result of the inflation of the form are substantially maintained within the system and not transmitted out of the system.
  • a layer of quick-hardening material such as for example gypsum is applied to the form and when this has set to form a shell the form is deflated, the clamping elements loosened, the anchoring pipe emptied of its water and the form removed from the shell via an opening which has been left in the shell for this purpose.
  • pretensioned reinforced rods can be embedded in the layers of the cementitious material thus applied having been preliminarily anchored to the base ring. In this way hemispherical dome can be easily and inexpensively constructed on an inflatable form.
  • this dome is formed on the channelshaped base ring which sits freely on the ground and the dome can therefore be transported to any suitable site. If desired, however, the base ring can preliminarily be embedded in a concrete foundation, in which case the dome is permanently cast on the predetermined site.
  • tensioning cables and central ring can, if desired, be removed.
  • these tensioning cables which are now in a tensioned state can be allowed to remain so as to become embedded in a'subsequently cast concrete floor thereby providing reinforcement for the floor which is suspended on its base ring.
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 show how a small superstructure 35 can be cast on an auxiliary inflatable form 36 anchored to a dome 37 which has been previously cast on a main inflatable form.
  • a cylindrical (preferably transparent) base ring 38 is supported by means of a lower flange 39 on the rim of an upper central aperture 40 of the dome 37.
  • This cylindrical base ring 38 surrounds a cylindrical wooden form 41 having a circular wooden lid 42.
  • An auxiliary inflatable hemispherical form 43 is secured at its rim to the cylindrical wooden form 41, the base 44 of the auxiliary form 43 bearing on the upper surface of the wooden lid 42.
  • An auxiliary air inlet pipe 45 passes through the base ring 38 and the wooden lid 42 into the inner space of the auxiliary form 43 and in this way the auxiliary form 43 can be inflated. After inflation to the required pressure the cementitious material is cast on the auxiliary form 43 and after it has set the auxiliary form 43 together with the wooden form 42 are removed leaving the auxiliary domelike superstructure 35 and the cylindrical transparent fanlight 38.
  • the shell can be prefabricated on a base ring and can then be transported to a site on which it is to be erected.
  • a convenient method of transporting such shells, especially to relatively inaccessible sites can be by helicopter.
  • the shell is provided with lifting cables 47 which are coupled to a single suspension cable 48 designed to be coupled to a helicopter.
  • FIG. 12 shows clearly how the lifting cables 47 are secured to lugs 49 which are in their turn secured to the base ring.
  • a particularly advantageous use of such transportable shells is in connection with sealed medical units such as for example field-operating theaters.
  • the shells can be prefabricated in the manner described above from alightweight material such as, for example, polystyrene reinforced with glass fibers.
  • the shell thus produced is provided with a lightweight flooring (e.g., of polyethylene) which rests on the tensioning cables and which serves to seal the unit which will have been rendered sterile.
  • the unit can be fully equipped with all the necessary medical equipment and can be readily transported by helicopter together with the medical team so that any injured person can be operated on, on the site.
  • the base ring which constitutes an essential element of the base structure associated with the form, serves a plurality of vital functions among which are the following:
  • a base from which can be secured reinforcing cables to be embedded in the cementitious material forming the dome which is set for a suitable means for securing the dome to a base to which it is to be anchored.
  • the base ring can conveniently be formed as a rigidizable structure.
  • the metal base ring can be dispensed with and the anchoring pipe can be adapted so as itself to constitute the base ring on the structure, which can in its turn form an anchoring ring for the transversely directed cables.
  • the form should be constructed of a flexible material oflow elasticity.
  • a suitable material is natural or synthetic rubber which can, if required, be suitably reinforced by means, for example, of natural or synthetic fibers.
  • the form can be constituted for example of a fabric formed of cotton or nylon fibers, the fabric being impregnated and covered with natural or synthetic rubber.
  • the degree of reinforcement and strength of the form is of course determined by the stresses to be imparted to the form as a result of inflation thereof and easing thereon of the concrete shell.
  • the form is constructed in the form of segments which are secured together by bonding, welding, sewing or the like so as to constitute the shape required. The segments can be arranged to overlap so as to impart a fu rthcr degree of reinforcement to the form itself.
  • the form is constituted by rigid hexagonal plates 57 which can be formed of a suitable rigid material (e.g., hard rubber) which are bonded onto a flexible base at such a spacing that the entire structure remains flexible but assumes a hemispherical form when inflated.
  • a suitable rigid material e.g., hard rubber
  • FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 of the drawings wherein are illustrated the construction of a composite form and cable structure and its use in the construction of reinforced concrete, roofs or floors.
  • the composite structure comprises a peripheral base ring 61 to which is peripherally secured an upper flexible form 62 and an integrally formed lower flexible form base 63.
  • the upper form 62 and lower form base 63 are respectively enclosed between an upper set of form limiting cables 64 and a lower set of tensioning cables 65. Both sets of cables are respectively secured at their outer sets of ends to the base ring 61.
  • FIG. 15 shows clearly .the construction of the two sets of cables 64 and 65 with the interposed form and base removed.
  • the base ring 61 consists of segments 67 of rectangular cross-sectioned shape, which are coupled together (by means not shown) so as to conform to the desired peripheral shape of the form.
  • a plurality of clamping elements 68 Secured to the segments 67, in a manner similar to that described above, is a plurality of clamping elements 68 which are substantially identical in construction with the clamping of the combined rim of the upper form 62 and lower form base 63.
  • the outer ends of the two sets of cables pass through the segments 67 and are secured thereto, tensioning of the cables being possible at their inner ends.
  • the composite form and cable structure is assembled so that the base ring 61 rests on a prepared structure on which the floor or ceiling is to be cast.
  • the composite structure is placed on the upper edge of a cylindrical building and is used to cast a roof for the building.
  • the form is then inflated, it being ensured that inflation takes place to the desired pressure and this pressure is maintained during casting of the material and subsequent setting.
  • the upper set of cables 64 serve to delimit the degree of inflation of the form and thereby ensure the relative flatness of the form and the structure subsequently to be cast thereon.
  • the lower set of cables 65 serve to take up the downwardly directed elevating forces which are created in the form base as a result ofits inflation, these forces being converted into tensioning forces of the cables which are in turn transmitted to the base ring 61.
  • Cementitious material such as concrete, is cast on the form, the upper form limiting cables becoming embedded in the concrete and serving to reinforce the concrete. If necessary and desired (especially in connection with large structures) the radially directed, form limiting, and concrete reinforcing cables can be bridged by transverse reinforcing elements in the form of cables, wire mesh or the like.
  • the cementitious material such as concrete
  • the material is allowed to set after which the form is deflated and removed, leaving the cast roof or floor in position.
  • tensioning cables have always been shown to be disposed radially, embodiments can equally well be conceived where the tensioning cables are disposed in other transverse directions.
  • FIGS. 18 and 19 of the drawings The provision of a domelike shell, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with windows can he effected by means of the combined window form and clamp shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 of the drawings.
  • a window 71 already fitted in a rectangular metallic window frame 72 is clamped between a pair of window formclamp components 73 and 74.
  • the components 73, 74 are both ofinverted V-shape.
  • the component 74 has an upwardly tilted, limb 75 and a pair of vertical limbs 76, the outer edges of the limbs 75 and 76 being curved so as to conform with the shape of the flexible form to which it is to be attached.
  • the component 73 consists of a substantially upwardly tilted limb 77 which terminates in an upwardly directed flange 78 and substantially vertical limbs 79 whose outer edges slope downwardly towards the flexible form.
  • the two components 74 and 73 are secured to each other and to the metallic window frame 72 by means of straps 80 which are bolted to the adjacent components and the frame by means of bolts 81, these bolts being removable from inside the window formclamp.
  • the window form-clamp together with the window rests on a precast window sill 82, the latter being supported in the required position against the flexible form by support means (not shown).
  • Cementitious or plastic material is applied to the flexible form and to the window form-clamp so as to adopt the outer contour shown by the broken line 83.
  • the form-clamp components 73 and 74 (which can be made, for example, of suitable fiber glass material) can be detached by removal of the bolts 81.
  • the component 73 can be removed from the outside of the shell whilst the component 74 can be removed from the inside of the shell.
  • the window 71 and its frame 72 are left firmly set in the wall of the shell within an appropriate window niche.
  • the formclamp components can be left in position. Where, however, the form-clamp components are removed they can be reused on further occasions.
  • FIGS. 20, 21 and 22 of the drawings a simplified and modified form of base structure is employed.
  • this base structure an annular concrete base ring is preliminarily cast and, if desired, is anchored in the ground.
  • mounting posts 86 embedded in and projecting upwardly from the concrete ring 85 and equiangularly spaced around the ring 85 are mounting posts 86.
  • the concrete base ring 85 when being cast is provided with through-going bores 87 through which tensioning cables 88 are arranged to pass.
  • the segments and clamping elements 91 are coupled together and to the mounting posts 86 by means of elongated bolts 92 which pass through the juxtaposed elements and which are provided with tightening nuts 93 and elongated sleeves 94.
  • each tensioning cable 88 which emerges from the base ring 85 is externally threaded and is provided with a nut 94a, 21 steel washer 95 and a flexible washer 96.
  • adjacent segments of the clamping mechanism 89 are rigidly coupled together by means of pairs of coupling plates 97 and 98, the coupling plate 98 being formed integrally with an elongated tubular sleeve 99.
  • a coupling bolt 100 extends through the coupling plates 97 and 98.
  • Clamping of the two plates together is effected by means of a nut 101 which, bearing against the end of the sleeve 99, presses the two coupling plates 97 and 98 together, thereby securing together the two elements 90 and 91 of the clamping structure.
  • the rim of an inflatable form is clamped in the clamping structure 89 in a manner as described above (ensuring the required pretensioning of the form rim) and the clamping structure itself is secured to the mounting posts 86 by tightening of the clamping nuts 93. Successive segmental sections of the clamping structure are rigidly secured together by tightening ofthe clamping nuts 101 on the clamping bolts 100.
  • the tensioning cables 88 are then given a predetermined degree of slackness by turning of the nuts 94a and upon the inflation of the form, the cables 88 are tensioned by the downwardly directed force on the form base.
  • the cementitious or other suitable material is then applied to the form so as to form a shell 97.
  • the shell is formed on a base ring which can, if desired, be anchored to an appropriate foundation and which serves for anchoring the rim of the inflatable form
  • a base ring which can, if desired, be anchored to an appropriate foundation and which serves for anchoring the rim of the inflatable form
  • an inflatable form 105 is anchored to a base structure 106, the latter being of the kind described above, for example, with reference to FIG. 3 of the drawings.
  • the base ring 107 of the base structure 106 is supported on the jacks 108 by virtue of which the base ring is raised sufficiently from off the ground 109 to take account of the downward displacement of the tensioning cables 110 and inner ring 111 upon inflation of the form.
  • the base structure 106 is located within a cylindrical wall 112 which can be constructed by conventional means and which, in addition to any preformed apertures for doors etc., is provided with apertures 113 by means of which access can be had to tensioning nuts 114 located on the base ring 107 and by means of which the slackness of the tensioning cables 110 can be adjusted to a required level.
  • the wall 112 is sufficiently spaced from the base ring 107 for the vertical wall to be directed substantially tangentially to the inflated form 105 and so that the layer of cementitious material 115 applied to the form 105 continues initially, substantially continuously from the cylindrical wall 112. In other words the form must swell towards the cylindrical wall.
  • the cylindrical wall can be formed by any conventional method such as, for example, the use of preformed segmental blocks.
  • FIGS. 24 and 25 of the drawings show schematically such a modification.
  • a form 117 having a base 118 is anchored to a base structure 119 consisting of a base ring 120 to which are secured the ends of a plurality of radial compression struts 121 whose inner ends are coupled at a central hub 122.
  • the base 118 thereof upon inflation of the form 117 the base 118 thereof adopts a convex shape (as opposed to the concave shape adopted by the base in all the previous embodiments) and this base presses down on the compression struts 121 as a result of which these struts press against the ring 120 which is in consequence tensioned.
  • the ring 120 which is made of metal can easily withstand such tensioning forces and in consequence the forces which would otherwise tend to lift the form are easily overcome without any necessity for anchoring the base structure in the ground.
  • the invention has been specifically described in connection with the use of an inflatable form, on which, after inflation a cementitious plastic material is applied and is allowed to set
  • the invention is equally applicable in the case where the form is used as a basis round which there is constructed, for example, a geodesic construction.
  • the invention is applicable in the case wherein the cementitious material is applied to the form prior to its inflation and the form is subsequently inflated and the material is allowed to set.
  • Pneumatically inflatable form apparatus for use in the construction of shell-form structures, said apparatus comprising a stress resisting base assembly which includes a rigid, perimeter defining structure and a transverse structure extending across and connected to said perimeter defining structure, said perimeter-defining structure comprising a rigid base ring of predetermined shape and said transverse structure comprising a plurality of elongated stress transmitting members extending across and anchored to the base ring, a flexible inflatable form having a peripheral rim and a flexible base, means securing said rim to said perimeter defining structure with said flexible base resting on said transverse structure, said base assembly being sufficiently rigid to oppose, independently of external forces, deflection of said flexible base upon inflation of said form, said base assembly together with said form constituting a closed force system which prevents interiorly exerted pneumatic forces within said form from acting as elevating forces on said perimeter defining structure.
  • Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said means securing said rim to said perimeter defining structure comprises a plurality of clamping elements attached to the segments and means for tightening the clamping elements against the segments with said peripheral rim squeezed between said segments and said clamping elements.
  • transverse structure comprises a plurality of elongated tensioning members extending across and anchored to the base ring.
  • said transverse structure further includes a centrally located hub and wherein said tensioning members extend radially from said hub to said base ring.
  • said transverse structure comprises a plurality of radial struts with outer ends bearing on the base ring and inner ends located out of the plane of said base ring in the direction of said form.
  • Apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the anchoring pipe is a flexible hollow tube connected to a source of fluid pressure 12. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said annular pocket and anchoring pipe are held by clamping elements connected to the base ring.
  • Apparatus according to claim 13 further including a plurality of transversely extending members anchored to the perimeter defining structure and located above the inflatable form, said form being positioned to inflate downwardly with said flexible base pressing upwardly against said transversely extending members whereby said transversely extending members become embedded in casting material poured over the apparatus and as so embedded, serve as reinforcing members for the casting material.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Forms Removed On Construction Sites Or Auxiliary Members Thereof (AREA)
  • Tents Or Canopies (AREA)
  • Injection Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
US805143A 1968-03-07 1969-03-07 Inflatable forms Expired - Lifetime US3643910A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IL29599A IL29599A (en) 1968-03-07 1968-03-07 Inflatable molds

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3643910A true US3643910A (en) 1972-02-22

Family

ID=11044382

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US805143A Expired - Lifetime US3643910A (en) 1968-03-07 1969-03-07 Inflatable forms

Country Status (10)

Country Link
US (1) US3643910A (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html)
AT (1) AT303358B (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html)
BR (1) BR6906917D0 (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html)
DE (1) DE1911352C3 (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html)
FI (1) FI49077C (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html)
FR (1) FR2003402A1 (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html)
IL (1) IL29599A (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html)
NL (1) NL6903581A (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html)
NO (1) NO125902B (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html)
SE (1) SE357230B (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html)

Cited By (33)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3719341A (en) * 1971-07-26 1973-03-06 Himmel I Inflatable form for concrete building shell
US3814372A (en) * 1971-06-22 1974-06-04 W Western Open-top shell molding apparatus
US3832745A (en) * 1973-05-25 1974-09-03 J Dorfman Disposable inner mould for boats and method of manufacture
US3909992A (en) * 1974-03-18 1975-10-07 Us Navy Inflatable ice igloo
US3985330A (en) * 1973-05-25 1976-10-12 Jan William Dorfman Disposable inner mould for boats
US4077177A (en) * 1974-08-09 1978-03-07 Boothroyd Rodney L Curved architectural structure of foam and cement
US4102956A (en) * 1975-01-29 1978-07-25 Heifetz H Building method and equipment for use therewith
US4170093A (en) * 1976-10-07 1979-10-09 Binishells New Systems Limited Method and apparatus for erecting substantially dome-like building structures
US4224265A (en) * 1976-12-24 1980-09-23 Pfisterer Hans Peter Tank, particularly oil tank
US4446083A (en) * 1981-08-03 1984-05-01 Nicholls Robert L Air-inflated fabric-reinforced concrete shells
US4452017A (en) * 1981-05-13 1984-06-05 Dyckerhoff & Widmann Aktiengesellschaft Air inflated bubble roof
US4629592A (en) * 1986-01-22 1986-12-16 Horrall Harrington Method and apparatus utilizing inflatable membrane form for construction of concrete shell building
US4659527A (en) * 1983-02-17 1987-04-21 Misawa Homes Company Limited Method of molding a light-weight, cellular concrete panel having a window or ceramic plate embedded therein
US4678157A (en) * 1984-08-30 1987-07-07 Robert Fondiller Apparatus for the construction of a low cost structure
US4776145A (en) * 1983-12-09 1988-10-11 Dykmans Max J Multi purpose dome structure and the construction thereof
US4799982A (en) * 1986-03-20 1989-01-24 Charmasson & Holz Method of molding monolithic building structure
US4879859A (en) * 1983-12-09 1989-11-14 Dykmans Max J Method and apparatus for constructing circumferentially wrapped prestressed structures utilizing a membrane
US5094044A (en) * 1983-12-09 1992-03-10 Dykmans Maximilliaan J Multi-purpose dome structure and the construction thereof
US5134830A (en) * 1983-12-09 1992-08-04 Dykmans Max J Method and apparatus for constructing circumferentially wrapped prestressed structures utilizing a membrane
US5400999A (en) * 1990-12-30 1995-03-28 Pavie; Henry Inflatable construction apparatus
US5408793A (en) * 1983-12-09 1995-04-25 Dykmans; Max J. Multi-purpose dome structure and the method of construction thereof
WO1995028538A1 (en) * 1992-05-07 1995-10-26 Giles Brian C Method of constructing curvilinear structures
WO1996011309A1 (en) * 1994-10-07 1996-04-18 Easton David C Method of stabilizing earth for building earthen walls and structures
US5564369A (en) * 1994-06-22 1996-10-15 Barber; Todd R. Reef ball
US5675941A (en) * 1983-12-09 1997-10-14 Dykmans; Maximiliaan J. Method and apparatus for constructing prestressed structures utilizing a membrane and floating dome assembly
US6282842B1 (en) 1995-02-06 2001-09-04 Robert R. Simens Inflatable roof support systems
US20050120643A1 (en) * 2003-12-09 2005-06-09 Siedentopf Robert A. Primary-geodesic least surface shapes for predetermined ground plots and functions
US20080295445A1 (en) * 2005-01-20 2008-12-04 Cintec International Limited Blast Protection Structures
GB2473017A (en) * 2009-08-27 2011-03-02 Jolyon Eric Emery Dome structure
US20150007758A1 (en) * 2013-07-03 2015-01-08 Rixford Smith Pyramid-Sphere Bunker System
US9611662B2 (en) * 2014-06-11 2017-04-04 Nicoló Bini Anchoring mechanisms for a Binishell
US10119264B2 (en) * 2014-12-26 2018-11-06 Broadwell (Shenzhen) Technology Co., Ltd Air-supported membrane structure dome and foundation thereof
ES2968499A1 (es) * 2022-10-10 2024-05-09 Gonzalez Garcia Martin Angel Paulino Cierres y encofrados neumáticos, flexibles y recuperables

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2188938B1 (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html) * 1972-06-16 1976-04-16 Rabeu Andre
AT354056B (de) * 1976-08-09 1979-12-27 Burzler Otmar Ing Verfahren zur herstellung einer gewoelbten ab- deckung
SE501983C2 (sv) * 1993-11-01 1995-07-03 H G Tech Ab Sätt vid tillverkning av skalformiga konstruktioner
SE504224C2 (sv) * 1995-04-20 1996-12-09 Hg Tech Ab Sätt att med en uppblåsbar form tillverka en skalformig konstruktion
AT1030U1 (de) * 1995-12-05 1996-09-25 Stoegner Herbert Dr Verfahren und vorrichtung zur herstellung von hohlen eiskörpern
WO2009078692A1 (es) * 2007-12-14 2009-06-25 Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey Sistema y método constructivo a base de moldes reutilizables para cimbra de geometría especial semicurva

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2335300A (en) * 1941-11-25 1943-11-30 Neff Wallace Building construction
US2948047A (en) * 1955-12-27 1960-08-09 Lawrence F Peeler Method of building structures
US3462521A (en) * 1966-12-12 1969-08-19 Binishells Spa Method for erecting structures
US3478472A (en) * 1967-11-29 1969-11-18 John P Kwake Means for constant pressurization of inflatable and other enclosures

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2335300A (en) * 1941-11-25 1943-11-30 Neff Wallace Building construction
US2948047A (en) * 1955-12-27 1960-08-09 Lawrence F Peeler Method of building structures
US3462521A (en) * 1966-12-12 1969-08-19 Binishells Spa Method for erecting structures
US3478472A (en) * 1967-11-29 1969-11-18 John P Kwake Means for constant pressurization of inflatable and other enclosures

Cited By (38)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3814372A (en) * 1971-06-22 1974-06-04 W Western Open-top shell molding apparatus
US3719341A (en) * 1971-07-26 1973-03-06 Himmel I Inflatable form for concrete building shell
US3832745A (en) * 1973-05-25 1974-09-03 J Dorfman Disposable inner mould for boats and method of manufacture
US3985330A (en) * 1973-05-25 1976-10-12 Jan William Dorfman Disposable inner mould for boats
US3909992A (en) * 1974-03-18 1975-10-07 Us Navy Inflatable ice igloo
US4077177A (en) * 1974-08-09 1978-03-07 Boothroyd Rodney L Curved architectural structure of foam and cement
US4102956A (en) * 1975-01-29 1978-07-25 Heifetz H Building method and equipment for use therewith
US4170093A (en) * 1976-10-07 1979-10-09 Binishells New Systems Limited Method and apparatus for erecting substantially dome-like building structures
US4224265A (en) * 1976-12-24 1980-09-23 Pfisterer Hans Peter Tank, particularly oil tank
US4452017A (en) * 1981-05-13 1984-06-05 Dyckerhoff & Widmann Aktiengesellschaft Air inflated bubble roof
US4446083A (en) * 1981-08-03 1984-05-01 Nicholls Robert L Air-inflated fabric-reinforced concrete shells
US4659527A (en) * 1983-02-17 1987-04-21 Misawa Homes Company Limited Method of molding a light-weight, cellular concrete panel having a window or ceramic plate embedded therein
US5134830A (en) * 1983-12-09 1992-08-04 Dykmans Max J Method and apparatus for constructing circumferentially wrapped prestressed structures utilizing a membrane
US5675941A (en) * 1983-12-09 1997-10-14 Dykmans; Maximiliaan J. Method and apparatus for constructing prestressed structures utilizing a membrane and floating dome assembly
US4776145A (en) * 1983-12-09 1988-10-11 Dykmans Max J Multi purpose dome structure and the construction thereof
US4879859A (en) * 1983-12-09 1989-11-14 Dykmans Max J Method and apparatus for constructing circumferentially wrapped prestressed structures utilizing a membrane
US5094044A (en) * 1983-12-09 1992-03-10 Dykmans Maximilliaan J Multi-purpose dome structure and the construction thereof
US5408793A (en) * 1983-12-09 1995-04-25 Dykmans; Max J. Multi-purpose dome structure and the method of construction thereof
US5881530A (en) * 1983-12-09 1999-03-16 Dykmans; Maximiliaan J. Method and apparatus for constructing prestressed structures utilizing a membrane and floating dome assembly
US4678157A (en) * 1984-08-30 1987-07-07 Robert Fondiller Apparatus for the construction of a low cost structure
US4629592A (en) * 1986-01-22 1986-12-16 Horrall Harrington Method and apparatus utilizing inflatable membrane form for construction of concrete shell building
US4799982A (en) * 1986-03-20 1989-01-24 Charmasson & Holz Method of molding monolithic building structure
US5400999A (en) * 1990-12-30 1995-03-28 Pavie; Henry Inflatable construction apparatus
WO1995028538A1 (en) * 1992-05-07 1995-10-26 Giles Brian C Method of constructing curvilinear structures
US5836265A (en) * 1994-06-22 1998-11-17 Barber; Todd Ryan Reef ball
US5564369A (en) * 1994-06-22 1996-10-15 Barber; Todd R. Reef ball
WO1996011309A1 (en) * 1994-10-07 1996-04-18 Easton David C Method of stabilizing earth for building earthen walls and structures
US6282842B1 (en) 1995-02-06 2001-09-04 Robert R. Simens Inflatable roof support systems
US20050120643A1 (en) * 2003-12-09 2005-06-09 Siedentopf Robert A. Primary-geodesic least surface shapes for predetermined ground plots and functions
US20080295445A1 (en) * 2005-01-20 2008-12-04 Cintec International Limited Blast Protection Structures
WO2011024008A3 (en) * 2009-08-27 2013-03-07 Jolyon Eric Emery Dome structure
GB2473017A (en) * 2009-08-27 2011-03-02 Jolyon Eric Emery Dome structure
GB2473017B (en) * 2009-08-27 2014-10-29 Jolyon Eric Emery Inflatable dome structure
US20150007758A1 (en) * 2013-07-03 2015-01-08 Rixford Smith Pyramid-Sphere Bunker System
US9151577B2 (en) * 2013-07-03 2015-10-06 Rixford Smith Pyramid-sphere bunker system
US9611662B2 (en) * 2014-06-11 2017-04-04 Nicoló Bini Anchoring mechanisms for a Binishell
US10119264B2 (en) * 2014-12-26 2018-11-06 Broadwell (Shenzhen) Technology Co., Ltd Air-supported membrane structure dome and foundation thereof
ES2968499A1 (es) * 2022-10-10 2024-05-09 Gonzalez Garcia Martin Angel Paulino Cierres y encofrados neumáticos, flexibles y recuperables

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE1911352A1 (de) 1969-10-09
AT303358B (de) 1972-11-27
NL6903581A (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html) 1969-09-09
BR6906917D0 (pt) 1973-02-08
DE1911352C3 (de) 1975-08-28
NO125902B (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html) 1972-11-20
SE357230B (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html) 1973-06-18
DE1911352B2 (de) 1975-01-09
FI49077B (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html) 1974-12-02
IL29599A (en) 1972-02-29
FI49077C (fi) 1975-03-10
FR2003402A1 (GUID-C5D7CC26-194C-43D0-91A1-9AE8C70A9BFF.html) 1969-11-07

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US3643910A (en) Inflatable forms
US2892239A (en) Improved method of erecting shellform concrete structures
US3462521A (en) Method for erecting structures
US8721216B2 (en) Method of repairing a manhole chimney using a stretchable sleeve
US4746471A (en) Method of constructing a reinforced concrete structure
US3225413A (en) Inflatable form for a concrete building
CN102482892A (zh) 伸缩塔组件和方法
US3139464A (en) Building construction
US3973370A (en) Method of making a frame assembly
US3106772A (en) Method of erecting buildings, tanks, domes or similar structures
US4102956A (en) Building method and equipment for use therewith
NL8503222A (nl) Folie-verankering met een buiten-verankering-systeem.
US4776145A (en) Multi purpose dome structure and the construction thereof
US3949962A (en) Collapsible umbrella concrete form
US3686818A (en) Expandible reinforcement structure for inflatable domes
IE61649B1 (en) Method for manufacturing a building structure
US9611662B2 (en) Anchoring mechanisms for a Binishell
GB2092215A (en) Method of constructing tanks
US20040217611A1 (en) Personnel transfer device for offshore use
US20070212171A1 (en) Methods for providing piled foundations for constructions, piled foundations and a balloon for porviding an enlarged footing
JP3376478B2 (ja) コンクリート製ドーム屋根の構築法に使用する膜体構造
US3996320A (en) Method for making domed skeletal structures of concrete
US20240309660A1 (en) Construction of monolithic structures with air forms
CN214219666U (zh) 一种漏斗充填装置
CN215057492U (zh) 一种隧道工程抢险用临时支护装置