ABSTRACT
The purpose of this document is to study the application of Tensegrity principles on tensile textile constructions. This work studiesthe basic concept of Tensegrity unit, its classification according a previous researcher (Anthony Pugh) and the author’scontribution, focused on new generations of forms. Through the geometry and computer software, another typology and aconstructive simple method is developed, bearing in mind, some aspects as important as system pretension to find its balance.
KEYWORDS
Tensegrity unit, formfinding, continuous membrane pattern, diamond pattern, single layer, double layer, constructive method,pretension.
TENSEGRITY DESIGN AND MODELING
The following tensegrity models were obtained through intuitive and experimental methods during the development of this thesis. We demonstrated the importance of physical models in studying spatial structures. Almost 70 scale models were built using bars, tendons, and membranes of various materials. Bars of various diameters andlengths were made from balsa wood and plastic. Tendons were made from thread or elastic bands, each with differing qualitiesand stiffness. Membranes were made from latex, plastic mesh and lycre.Formfinding was based on the geometry of Archimedean and Platonic (polyhedra) solids, which resulted in new forms that havebeen classified and proposed for architectural use.
ANALYSIS USING SOFTWARE
AutoCAD and WinTess: An electronic version of the proposed model was created using AutoCAD software and then tested using WinTess software.During structural analysis testing, the model was tested against its own weight and against that of external wind and snow loads. As a result, we were able to obtain the equilibrium of the tensegrity structure.
ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION
Sports Arena: Based on results of the formfinding, geometry, and the use of software, we propose a new tensegrity ring with a central cabledome system can be used architecturally as a sports arena. There exists a need for roof structures that can cover big surfacesand spaces, but free of any interior supports. After doing the pertinent calculations, a tensegrity ring is proposed with a centraldome, using diamond membrane patterns with twenty struts in a double layer, to cover a 40 m diameter sports arena, which hasa surface of 1.200 m2 and may be occupied by 626 persons, approximately.