[Air Dome 101] Why Do Air Domes in the Middle East Need Diagonal Orthogonal Steel Cable Net Systems? 2025-12-02
Middle Eastern air domes operate under extreme ground temperatures near 60°C, which severely weaken PVC membranes (strength loss up to 75%) and make welded seams brittle—the structure’s most crack-prone points. A diagonal orthogonal steel cable net system is therefore essential. Acting as a heat-insensitive “skeleton,” the mesh redistributes wind and sandstorm loads from the membrane to steel cables and transfers forces directly to the foundation. It also limits oscillation and strain, protecting vulnerable seams. Unlike simple longitudinal/transverse or basic cross layouts, the diagonal orthogonal pattern provides continuous, omnidirectional load paths and eliminates corner blind spots. In high-temperature regions, this cable system is not a premium add-on but a technical necessity, delivering engineered redundancy, fail-safe safety, and reduced risk for owners.