Editing Inflatable (section)

====Air-supported structure====
[[Image:Air-supported dome.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Air-supported dome used as a sports and recreation venue]]
{{main|Air-supported structure}}
An '''air-supported (or air-inflated) structure''' is any permanent building that derives its structural integrity from the use of internal pressurized [[air]] to inflate a pliable material (i.e. structural fabric) [[building envelope|envelope]], so that air is the main support of the structure. It is usually [[dome|dome-shaped]], since this shape creates the greatest [[volume]] for the least amount of material. However, rectangular inflatables are also possible, such as the ''Airtecture Exhibition Hall'' constructed by [[Festo|Festo AG & Co]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tensinet.com/database/viewProject/3753 |title=Airtecture Exhibition Hall |publisher=TensiNet |access-date=2011-09-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111120002836/http://www.tensinet.com/database/viewProject/3753 |archive-date=2011-11-20 }}</ref>

The concept was popularized on a large scale by [[David H. Geiger]] with the United States pavilion at [[Expo '70]] in [[Osaka, Japan]] in 1970.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/10/04/obituaries/david-geiger-engineer-54-dies.html | work=The New York Times | title=David Geiger, Engineer, 54, Dies | date=1989-10-04}}</ref>

To maintain structural integrity, the structure must be pressurized such that the internal [[pressure]] equals or exceeds any external pressure being applied to the structure (i.e. [[wind]] pressure). The structure does not have to be airtight to retain structural integrity—as long as the pressurization system that supplies internal pressure replaces any air leakage, the structure will remain stable. All access to the structure interior must be equipped with two sets of doors or revolving door ([[airlock]]). Air-supported structures are secured by heavy weights on the ground, ground anchors, attached to a foundation, or a combination of these.