Comprehensive Comparison of Steel Framed Fabric and Conventionally Constructed Aircraft Hangars

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: AD1056499 | Open PDF

Abstract:

Through the life of the United States Air Force USAF, the accepted method for constructing permanent aircraft hangars is the use of materials such as steel and concrete. However, the emerging type of construction known as steel framed fabric SFF construction shows potential to meet the requirements of the USAF at a lower life-cycle cost and with faster construction delivery. A comprehensive comparison to conventional hangars is conducted through the means of an extensive literature review, case study analysis, structural analysis with the use of finite element analysis FEA software, and a life-cycle cost comparison. Through examination of Department of Defense DoD Unified Facility Criteria, industry building codes and best practices, there are no significant barriers keeping the USAFDoD from constructing SFF hangars. The FEA of a simplified SFF model reinforced that fabric membranes can provide equal, if not more, structural safety in comparison to conventional hangar claddings. This research recommends the USAF implement SFF hangars as an alternative to conventional construction for new aircraft hangar projects. By investing in SFF, the USAF will save considerable costs to the US taxpayer. Shorter construction delivery times will allow commanders more flexibility in mission bed-down. Lastly, reduced maintenance concerns typical of SFF hangars will lessen the burden on facility maintenance personnel.

Author(s):
Iungerich, Justin M
Author Organization(s):
AIR FORCE INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB United States
Descriptive Note:
Technical Report,01 Aug 2016,23 Mar 2018
Pagination:
0154

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release
Distribution Statement:
Approved For Public Release;

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
AFIT-ENV-MS-18-M-211
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_4.6_Engineering; JCA_4.6.1_General Engineering; JCA_4.7.2_Installation Services; JCA_4.7_Base and Installations Support; JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_4.3_Maintain; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_7.2.1_Mitigate Lethal Effects; JCA_7.2_Mitigate; JCA_7_Protection; JCA_5.6.4_Assess Guidance; JCA_5.6_Monitor; JCA_6.4.1_Secure Information Exchange; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_3.1.2_Maneuver to Insert; JCA_3.1_Maneuver; JCA_5.5.2_Task; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_6_Net Centric; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation
Modernization Areas:
Quantum Science and Computing
Communities of Interest:
Engineered Resilient Systems
Descriptor(s):
aircraft maintenance, best practices, contractors, cost analysis, department of defense, maintenance personnel, materials testing, construction materials, structural engineering, structural loads, case studies, life cycles, finite element analysis, hangars, FABRICs, steel
Field(s)/Group(s):
Aircraft
Keyword(s):
Steel framed fabric, aircraft hangars, permanent DoD construction, unified facility criteria, fabric construction, life cycle cost analysis, case study, conventional
Report Date:
2018 Mar 23
Creation Date:
2018 Jul 24