Air Supported Membrane Structures/Inflatables
- Regardless of size, all inflatable structures shall be properly anchored and strapped per the manufacturers instruction. Sand bags and water barrels are not an approved means of anchoring.
- Manufacturer specific wind loads must be followed, structures must be deflated before the maximum wind rating is reached (may be located within manufacturer specifications).
An air-inflated, air-supported, cable or frame-covered structure. This includes bounce houses, inflatable rides, games, and slides. (IFC 3103.10).
Why does a tent or inflatable need to be staked down and/or weights securing each leg?
Tents and/or inflatables have a large enough surface that it does not take a lot of load before they are blowing away from where they were set up. The manufacture has a specific design and rating they have approved/proved through testing. Any method outside of the manufactures engineering requirement will require a structural engineer to support the use/set up. Documentation of structural stability (i.e. staking and bracing documentation and justification). The staking , wind load rating anchoring requirements are regulated with Architectural Fabric Structures Institute FSAAS (IFC 3103.10.2 & IFC 3103.9). All tents and/or membrane structures are to be adequately anchored to withstand the weather conditions and to prevent collapse. Bozeman regularly has sustained winds speed of 35 miles per hour.
