Operational and Maintenance Guidelines for Air-Supported Structures Under Snowy Conditions

Under winter snowfall conditions, doing a good job in emergency operation and maintenance management is not only the core link to ensure the safe and stable operation of large-span air-supported membrane structures, but also a key measure to prevent structural risks and ensure the safety of people and property. In order to help the majority of air membrane building users and operators master the emergency operation and maintenance process, clarify the operating points, and scientifically avoid various safety hazards caused by snowfall, Zhongke Membrane Structure combines industry standards and its own practical experience to sort out and summarize the following snowfall emergency operation and maintenance guidelines to protect the safe operation of air membrane buildings in winter:

1. Pay attention to the weather forecast and warning information issued by the meteorological department, focus on the start time of snowfall, and make corresponding emergency plans.
2. Before the heavy snow comes, the pressure-holding performance test of the air-supported membrane structure should be carried out. During the pressure holding test, the pressure holding value is determined according to the target internal pressure under extreme conditions, and the duration is not less than two hours to check the sealing performance of the membrane surface and the foundation connection periphery, door and membrane body.

1. In the pressure-maintaining state, check the working stability of sensors, control equipment and fans, check the reliability of the connection between anchors and cables, and check the tension of the cables. Focus on the connection and fixation between the cable net and the foundation, the connection between the cable net and the flange, as well as the connection, anchoring and stress state of the notochord.
2. One hour before snowfall, complete the air film pressurization to the internal pressure under snow load working conditions. In principle, the internal pressure under snow load working conditions should not be less than 450Pa. When heavy snowfall is expected (heavy snow, blizzard), the internal pressure value needs to be increased to the maximum snow load operating internal pressure value, which is provided by the design unit.

1. Before and after snowfall, pay attention to check the sealing performance of the inflatable equipment box, check the air inlet, air outlet, and return air outlet of the inflatable equipment to ensure that there is no ice or debris blocking, check that the pressure transmission pipe is not blocked, and that the frequency converter and each alarm equipment are in good condition.
2. Check the normal operation of the access control system and whether there are any abnormal air leaks; in extreme weather, try to ensure that the active exhaust valve is closed; the emergency door is closed, and try not to open the vehicle passage.
3. Check the working performance of the backup diesel generator to ensure that the generator can start in time after a power outage under extreme weather conditions.
4. Reinforce the wind turbine equipment, cable trays, and other surrounding supports in advance to ensure stability under extreme weather; for cable trays along the foundation retaining wall, measures should be taken to avoid bridge damage caused by the impact of snow falling on the membrane.
5. Check the connection between the surrounding buildings of the air-supported membrane structure (steel structure coal shed panels) and the building envelope of the facility to avoid damaging the air-supported membrane structure by blowing off colored steel plates due to strong winds accompanied by snowfall.
6. For foundation pit air membranes and other long-span air membranes without retaining walls or with small retaining wall heights, snow shoveling equipment should be equipped to promptly clear the snow around the air-supported membrane structure building to avoid additional pressure caused by snow accumulation on the membrane surface around the bottom of the building.

1. In response to heavy snowfall or extreme snowfall conditions, an active snow removal plan should be formulated, and special emergency measures such as mechanical vibration, drone snow blowing, and manual cleaning may be considered.
2. After snow, pay attention to prevent the risk of secondary disasters caused by falling snow on the film surface. It is recommended to set up warning signs or cordons in areas where sliding may occur to avoid danger to passing pedestrians and vehicles.

Safety is no small matter, and operation and maintenance are not lax. The uncertainty of winter snowfall weather has put forward higher requirements for the emergency operation and maintenance of large-span air-supported membrane structures. We should insist on early prevention and proactive response, timely investigate and eliminate various safety hazards, make every effort to ensure the safe and stable operation of air membrane structures during winter snowfall, effectively prevent collapse and secondary disasters, and comprehensively protect the safety of personnel and property.

If you encounter emergency operation and maintenance problems for air membrane buildings, or need professional operation and maintenance guidance and services, welcome to contact us. Zhongke Membrane Structure uses professionalism to protect every peace of mind and build a safe defense line for air membrane buildings in winter!