Reliability design methodology for confined high pressure inflatable structures

Barbero, Ever J.; Sosa, Eduardo M.; Martı́nez, Xavier; Gutiérrez, Juan Manuel

doi:10.1016/j.engstruct.2013.01.011

Cited by 21 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…These results indicate that the inflatable plug slipped when the external pressure was around 78 percent of the internal pressure for external pressures p e in the range of 207 to 345 kPag. These results also mean that the design ratio of p e /p i = 1 required in the design process [1], was not reached and that the coefficient of friction used in the initial sizing was inappropriate.…”

Section: Sequence A-1mentioning

confidence: 83%

“…The length of the cylindrical part was determined using the method outlined in Ref. [1]. The friction coefficient used to determine the cylindrical length was the lowest value obtained from tests at coupon level for a single webbing rubbing against smooth concrete.…”

Section: Reduced-scale Prototype: Materials and Geometrymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Since no standard exists for evaluation of friction of webbing material, a customized test setup was developed to reproduce-as close as possible-the conditions required in actual applications. The testing machine used in previous friction tests with fabrics [1] was refitted for performing tests with single and woven webbings. The test setup consisted of a sled that held the base material and slid horizontally beneath a fixed test specimen to determine the friction coefficient between them.…”

Section: Testing Apparatus For Single and Woven Webbingsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Inflatable structures offer benefits such as being relatively lightweight and portable, maintaining the necessary rigidity while in operation, and having a relatively reduced production and installation cost compared to rigid, fixed gates. These benefits have prompted the use of inflatable structures in confined spaces, such as pipes and tunnels, to act as barriers for containing propagation of smoke or flooding with minimal infrastructure modification [1].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The sealing capacity is controlled by the ability of the inflatable to conform to the inner perimeter of the tunnel section while being pressurized. The external pressure (originated by flooding or fumes) is equilibrated by friction forces generated at the contact surfaces [1,11,12].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Friction characteristics of confined inflatable structures

et al. 2014

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Abstract:The availability of high-strength fabrics and progress in the development of large-scale inflatable technology made possible the creation of temporary and quickly deployable structures for protection of underground infrastructure. Inflatable structures are relatively lightweight and portable, and can maintain the required rigidity while in operation. These benefits have prompted the development of inflatable structures for use in confined spaces, such as tunnels and large-diameter pipes to act as barriers for containing flooding with minimal infrastructure modification. This work presents experimental results obtained from the evaluation of frictional characteristics of the fabric material that constitute the structural membrane of confined inflatable structures developed for protection of underground transportation tunnels and other large conduits. Friction tests at coupon level and slippage tests in a reduced-scale inflatable structure were performed in order to evaluate the frictional characteristics of Vectran webbings. Tests at coupon level were performed to determine the friction coefficient for different surface types and conditions. Tests with the reduced-scale inflatable structure contributed to the understanding of the friction characteristics at system level when subjected to different pressurization or depressurization sequences designed to induce slippage. Test results indicate that friction coefficient values at coupon level are about 29 percent higher than values derived from reduced-scale tests.

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Section: Sequence A-1mentioning

confidence: 83%

Section: Reduced-scale Prototype: Materials and Geometrymentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Testing Apparatus For Single and Woven Webbingsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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