Lightning protection of a pneumatic frame structure in samara region

In addition to its quick and simple erection, pneumatic frame structures (PFS) may be used under various conditions. These structures may be installed on almost every foundation type (soil, concrete, etc.) in any kind of climate.

The pneumatic frame sheds are often installed on large open territories, e.g. in the fields, to conduct competitions, exhibitions, or entertaining events. The fact of absence of other high-rise facilities in the territory increases the risk of a lightning strike to the roof or PFS frame parts. Just like any other residential or industrial facilities, pneumatic frame structures require reliable lightning protection.

Let's consider the exemplary calculation of the lightning protection arrangement for a pneumatic frame structure in Samara Region. Calculations were made by the ZANDZ Technical Center in 2024.The measures were taken according to IEC, Rev. 7., SO 153-34.21.122-2003 Guidelines for Arrangement of Lightning Protection of Buildings, Structures, and Industrial Utilities (hereinafter, SO), RD 34.21.122-87 Guidelines for Arrangement of Lightning Protection of Buildings and Structures (hereinafter, RD).

Requirements according to regulatory documents

According to Table 1 from RD, the facility is classified as lightning protection Category III, meaning that facilities may be protected by both standalone rods and the ones installed on the facility. Protection zone B according to RD was considered for calculations.

A set of lightning protection solutions for a pneumatic frame structure

A set of arrangements ensuring compliance with the lightning protection requirements is based on the following solutions:

Installation of 2 standalone interception rods, 22 m high;
Interception rods protect the facility in accordance with protection zone B according to RD 34.21.122-87;
Protection radii and the height at which protection zones are generated are shown in the plan below.

For the protection zone of a dual interception rod, see RD, Appendix 3 Protection Zones of Interception Rods

Lightning protection plan for a pneumatic frame structure (protective zone radii).
See full image

For each interception rod, a grounding arrangement is installed as follows:

Horizontal ground terminal for the current flow in 2 directions with an angle of 180 degrees therebetween. The ground terminal is made of a corrosion-resistant steel copper-plated strip with a cross-section of 4 x 30 mm, the laying depth is 0.5 m;
In each direction, at a distance of about 5 m from the interception rod, a vertical electrode with a length of 3 m is installed;
The foundation embedded part is used as the third vertical electrode;
Horizontal and vertical electrodes are connected to each other and to interception rods using the ZZ-005-064 clamps.

Lightning protection specifications for the pneumatic frame structure

Item No.	Fig.	Part number	Product	Qty
Lightning protection system
1.		ZZ-201-022	Interception rod, vertical, 22 m (zinc-plated steel; with parts embedded for the foundation)	2
Grounding arrangement
2.		ZZ-502-304-6	ZANDZ Steel galvanized bar (30 * 4 mm; 6 m bundle)	4
3.		ZZ-005-064	ZandZ Clamp with an intermediate plate for connecting the conductor (D14; up to 40 mm; stainless steel; without self-unscrewing)	8
4.		ZZ-001-065	ZandZ Grounding rod, copper-plated, threaded (D14; 1.5 m; 250 μm coating thickness; electroplated)	8
5.		ZZ-002-061	ZandZ Threaded coupling (5/8'' 11 UNC; doped brass; Zn > 37%)	5
6.		ZZ-003-061	ZandZ Steel kick-off tip (5/8’’ 11 UNC)	4
7.		ZZ-004-060	ZandZ Guide hammer head (5/8’’ 11 UNC; normalizing)	2
8.		ZZ-006-000	ZandZ Conductive grease with carbon fibers (tube; 100 g)	1
9.		ZZ-007-030	ZandZ Waterproof tape, non-woven, with corrosion inhibition (50 mm wide; 10 m roll)	2
10.		ZZ-008-000	ZandZ Steel attachment to the hammer (SDS max; induction heat treatment)	1