The Performance of Half-Cuboctahedron Grid Tensegrity Systems in Roof Structures

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Sustainability in the use of material and economy are the watchwords of the modern engineering fraternity. Many structural systems have been evolved for this purpose. At present, the qualities of the tensegrity structures, which make the technology attractive for human use, are their resilience and ability to use the material in a very economical way. Thus, the construction of the structures using tensegrity principle will make them highly resilient and reasonably economical at the same time. Methods: Though a lot of research has been carried out on the behaviour of tensegrity systems, the area requires further research for a complete understanding. Hence, this project is aimed at analysis of a tensegrity based roof structure. The prototype module used is half-cuboctahedron. Findings: First, a single module measuring 1 m x 1 m in size, is modelled and analysed using an FEM based software. The investigations are then extended to a 2 x 2 grid, measuring 2 m x 2 m in size. The behavior of the grid is studied under the application of external loads varying the prestressing forces on the members. Later, a 4 x 4 grid, measuring 4 m x 4 m in size and an 8 x 8 grid, measuring 8 m x 8 m in size are modelled and analysed based on the 2 x 2 grid system. From the analysis, it is found that the displacements of the system satisfy the permissible limits as per previous research values. The member forces have also been analysed. Applications/Improvements: The performance of the half-cuboctahedron tensegrity grid structure proves to be more suitable for larger span structures.