SUBSTANTIATION OF THE PONTOON-CABLE BRIDGE STRUCTURE FROM THE TENSEGRITY CONCEPT POINT OF VIEW

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of this work is to conduct an analysis of the tensegrity concept implementation, as well as the study of already built structures and those that are currently being designed according to this principle. Also to determine main features and characteristics of tensegrity structures and to consider the previously proposed structure of the pontoon-cable bridge from the point of view of this concept. Based on the analyzed data, it is proposed to develop alternative designs of the pontoon-cable bridge. Methodology. Analysis of literary sources, data on constructed and designed bridges and other structures; analysis and synthesis of building structures elements. Findings. Based on the studied data, the main features of tensegrity, as well as the principles of numerical analysis of structures to calculate some quantitative indicators of such systems, were determined. Conclusions were made about the formal non-compliance of both the built bridges and other structures, as well as the pontoon-cable bridge with tensegrity concept. Based on the task of finding architectural forms of dome systems through cutting axisymmetric ones, an "antiderivative" symmetrical structure for a pontoon-cable bridge is proposed, which will meet the specified characteristics. Based on the study of existing cable and tensegrity structures, three alternative architectural forms for the pontoon-cable bridge were developed. Originality. Analysis of existing sources, including constructed and designed tensegrity bridges and other structures, was conducted. A summary about the feasibility and usefulness of this approach for a previously proposed pontoon-cable bridge has been made. It was concluded that, in the future, this bridge can be considered from the tensegrity point of view, provided that the introduction of some tolerances or auxiliary elements were made. Practical value. For the existing structure of the pontoon-cable bridge, after considering it from the tensegrity and other cable structures’ point of view, alternative forms are proposed that may have additional advantages for specific design or construction conditions.