1. By T.M.SUPRAJA FINAL YEAR
TENSEGRITY STRUCTURE By
T.M.SUPRAJA
FINAL YEAR

2. WHAT IS TENSEGRITY?
Tensegrity -a word combining tension and integrity.
“Tensile integrity”-stability of the
system comes from the tension
members.

3. TENSEGRITY STRUCTURE?
Consist of isolated compression members (rigid bars) suspended by a continuous network of tension members (cables) enclosing a space
Concept invented by Buckminster Fuller.

4. A comparison Tensegrity structure vs Human structure
Bones are the compression struts and muscles are the tension bearing members.
The connective tissues are always
prestressed and under continuous
tension.

5. KURILPA BRIDGE
Montreal Biosphère
Models
Olympiastadium

6. IN INDIA Jawaharlal nehru stadium Rajiv Gandhi airport Sahar airport
Mumbai

7. MATERIALS COMPRESSION MEMBER Rigid bars - M.S Stainless steel
Aluminium
TENSION MEMBER
Cables -Tendon
ROOFING STRUCTURE
Ethylene tetrafluoric ethylene

8. JOINT DETAILS
Materials are in highly prestressed state

9. BASIC CONCEPT…
Resultant balancing at the joint:

10. ANALYSIS
Types of analysis: 1)Kinematical Methods 2)Statical Methods Kinematical Methods: Determine the geometry of structure Statical Methods: Determine the forces in its members

11. An Example Let us take a simple structure T-3 prism
It has 3 compression member and 9 tension member.

12. Step 1: Length are fixed for given loading and stress are within permissible limit. Step 2: Position of the members are varied to required tensegrity form such that members are in their required nature(eg tension) step 1 step 2

13. Step 3: Actual models are created to check the ease of construction (optional stage)
Link can be extended and the model is studied.
For large structures like stadium and airport, models are created.

14. Case study-Kurilpa Bridge,Brisbane
Reinforced concrete spiral ramp.
120m long .
a series of steel masts and cables.
Solar powered pedestrian bridges.
Use of LED minimizes maintenance and operating costs.

15. CONSTRUCTION

17. Solar panel: 84 photovoltaic panels-
Joints:
Solar panel: 84 photovoltaic panels-
Panels supply between 75% and 100% of the power.

18. ADVANTAGES Larger span coverage
Reduction of cost due to relative ease of installation.
Lengths of cables adjusted by pulleys.

19. Continue… Sustainability factor : Allow daylight inside
providing natural lighting.

20. DISADVANTAGES
Prestressed to resist deformation-determination of amount to be prestressed in initial stage.
Exist under specific geometries.
Mathematics involved in analysis of tensegrity structures is difficult.

21. REFERENCE
Thesis submitted By William Brooks Whittier on “Kinematic Analysis of Tensegrity Structures”.
A paper by W. O. Williams on “A Primer on the Mechanics of Tensegrity Structures”
Master Builder edition August 2012

22. Let us start creating artistic structures…… THANK YOU….