Behavior of a Double-Layer Tensegrity Grid under Static Loading: Identification of Self-Stress Level

AbstractThe determination of the state of internal stress is important to define the rigidity of a tensegrity structure and its stability. Several methods can be used; some are based on direct measurements of the forces in the elements, but are not easily transferable to a real structure. The authors opt for indirect measurement techniques, which seem more appropriate for implementation on-site. One can consider the vibratory analysis of the elements, the vibratory analysis of the whole structure, or the analysis of the structure’s behavior under static loading. Here, the node displacement fields of a tensegrity structure in different states of self-stress under several strategies of static loadings is studied by comparing the measurement obtained by a tachometer with simulations. The aim of this work is to show the feasibility of a displacement field to identify the state of self-stress by this analysis. It is shown that under certain conditions, plans can be made to replace the direct measurement of the forces by indirect analysis.