Building Code Glossary
Cable-restrained, Air-supported Structure: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009 define cable-restrained, 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
Cable-restrained, air-supported structure is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Special Construction. The code's own words are: “A structure in which the uplift is resisted by cables or webbings which are anchored to either foundations or dead men. Reinforcing cable or webbing is attached by various methods to the membrane or is an integral part of the membrane. This is not a cable-supported structure.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IBC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 2 chapters of this corpus, most often in Definitions (IBC 2009), Special Construction (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?
Cable-restrained, Air-supported Structure — IBC 2009, Special Construction:
A structure in which the uplift is resisted by cables or webbings which are anchored to either foundations or dead men. Reinforcing cable or webbing is attached by various methods to the membrane or is an integral part of the membrane. This is not a cable-supported structure.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Cable-restrained, Air-supported Structure is defined once in this corpus, in the Special Construction chapter of the International Building Code (IBC) 2009:
A structure in which the uplift is resisted by cables or webbings which are anchored to either foundations or dead men. Reinforcing cable or webbing is attached by various methods to the membrane or is an integral part of the membrane. This is not a cable-supported structure.
Where cable-restrained, air-supported structure is used in the code
The term appears in 2 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Special Construction | IBC 2009 | 1 |
The terms cable-restrained, air-supported structure is built out of
The definition above leans on 1 other defined term. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what cable-restrained, air-supported structure covers:
- Structure — IPC 2009: That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof.
Cable-restrained, 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 | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Special Construction (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Structure | |
| 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
- Swimming Pools: Building Code Definition
- Air-inflated Structure: Building Code Definition
- Air-supported Structure: 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 cable-restrained, air-supported structure?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Special Construction as: “A structure in which the uplift is resisted by cables or webbings which are anchored to either foundations or dead men. Reinforcing cable or webbing is attached by various methods to the membrane or is an integral part of the membrane. This is not a cable-supported structure.” 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 cable-restrained, air-supported structure?
In this corpus the term is used across 2 chapters, led by Definitions in the IBC 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.
Related pages
- Bullet Resistant: Building Code Definition
Bullet Resistant — IFC 2009 definition: Constructed so as to resist penetration of a bullet of 150-grain M2 ball ammunition having a …
- Burner: Building Code Definition
Burner — IRC 2009 definition: A device for the final conveyance of the gas, or a mixture of gas and air …
- Cabinet: Building Code Definition
Cabinet — IRC 2009 definition: An enclosure designed either for surface or flush mounting and provided with a frame, mat or …
- Canopy: Building Code Definition
Canopy — IBC 2009 definition: A permanent structure or architectural projection of rigid construction over which a covering is attached that …
- Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing System: Building Code Definition
Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing System — IFC 2009 definition: A system supplying carbon dioxide (C02) from a pressurized vessel through fixed pipes and nozzles.
- Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems: Building Code Definition
Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems — IBC 2009 definition: A system supplying carbon dioxide (C02) from a pressurized vessel through fixed pipes and nozzles.