Static Stability Behaviour of Plane Double-Layer Tensegrity Structures

Abstract

Tensegrity systems are structures made up of an assembly of pin-jointed pre-stressed continuous tension members (cables) and discontinuous compressive members (struts), arranged in different complex shapes. In the present study, static stability behaviour of plane double-layer tensegrity structures was investigated. Having verified the finite element modeling, several different collapse analyses were carried out in order to examine the instability behaviour of these tensegrity systems. Consequently, the different collapse mechanisms of the tensegrity systems were determined. In this study, the effects of the tensegrity configuration, the influence of the self-stress level, the effects of the post-buckling response of the “compression only” members and the post-yield response of the “tension only” members were investigated. Based on the obtained results, some important conclusions have been drawn and some design recommendations are put forward to prevent the occurrence of the dangerous collapse mechanisms.