Building Code Glossary
Air-supported Structure: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define air-supported structure, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Air-supported structure is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Special Construction. The code's own words are: “A building wherein the shape of the structure is attained by air pressure and occupants of the structure are within the elevated pressure area. Air-supported structures are of two basic types:” The IFC 2009 defines the same term with different wording, so the controlling text depends on which code governs the question in front of you — the comparison below sets the versions side by side. The term is used in 4 chapters of this corpus, most often in Tents and Other Membrane Structures (IFC 2009), Special Construction (IBC 2009), Definitions (IBC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Air-supported Structure — IBC 2009, Special Construction:
A building wherein the shape of the structure is attained by air pressure and occupants of the structure are within the elevated pressure area. Air-supported structures are of two basic types:
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Air-supported Structure, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Special Construction | A building wherein the shape of the structure is attained by air pressure and occupants of the structure are within the elevated pressure area. Air-supported structures are of two basic types: |
| IFC 2009 | Tents and Other Membrane Structures | A structure wherein the shape of the structure is attained by air pressure, and occupants of the structure are within the elevated pressure area. |
Where air-supported structure is used in the code
The term appears in 4 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Tents and Other Membrane Structures | IFC 2009 | 7 |
| Special Construction | IBC 2009 | 3 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about air-supported structure, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
An air-supported structure used as a place of assembly shall be furnished with not less than two blowers, each of which has adequate capacity to maintain full inflation pressure with normal leakage.
The terms air-supported structure is built out of
The definition above leans on 2 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what air-supported structure covers:
- Structure — IPC 2009: That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof.
- Building — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
Air-supported Structure: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Special Construction | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Tents and Other Membrane Structures | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Tents and Other Membrane Structures (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Special Construction (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Structure | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Building | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Structure: Building Code Definition
- Building: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of air-supported structure?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Special Construction as: “A building wherein the shape of the structure is attained by air pressure and occupants of the structure are within the elevated pressure area. Air-supported structures are of two basic types:” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on air-supported structure?
In this corpus the term is used across 4 chapters, led by Tents and Other Membrane Structures in the IFC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What is an air-supported structure?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Special Construction: “A building wherein the shape of the structure is attained by air pressure and occupants of the structure are within the elevated pressure area. Air-supported structures are of two basic types:” It is defined in IBC 2009, IFC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.
What is considered a structure in building code?
Building is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” That is not the same as air-supported structure, which the IBC 2009 defines as “A building wherein the shape of the structure is attained by air pressure and occupants of the structure are within the elevated pressure area. Air-supported structures are of two basic types:” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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