TENSEGRITY

Structural Systems for Future

Presented by
Renow Cleetus

1
Contents
Definition
History
Properties
Applications
Tensegrity in Nature
Advantages
Disadvantages
Case Study - Kurilpa Bridge
Conclusion

2
Definition
A tensegrity structure is one that maintains its
shape by using a discontinuous set of
compression elements that are connected to a
continuous set of pre-stressed tensile elements.

Its a special class of space structures composed

of set of soft members(eg. tendons), which can
carry only tension forces and a set of isolated
hard ones(eg. bars), characterised by pre-
stressability to maintain an equilibrium shape in
the absence of external forces or toques.

3
Tensegrity Simplex-Base
Model

4
History
Conceptualised in 1950s
Names associated with discovery of the concept.
David Georges Emmerich 1959(1964)
Kenneth Snelson 1960(1965)
Buckminster Fuller 1959(1962)

5
Properties
Acts as a whole system
Stable self-equilibrated state not gravity
dependant
They have no redundant parts, although new
tendons can be added to consolidate the structure.
Degree of tension of the pre-stressed components
amount of space they occupy.
Components Struts, cables, membranes, air
volume
Continuous tension Discontinuous compression
Boundary Surface tension lines only.

6
Applications
Domes
Towers
Roof structures
Arches
Bridges
Outer space structures

7
Tensegrity in Nature

8
Tensegrity in Nature

9
Advantages
Easy to store.
Consumes less storage space.
Easily Transportable.
Material efficiency & less structure weight due to
axially loaded behaviour.
Self Stabilizing structures
Not subjected to any torsion.
Makes construction of towers, domes, bridges
etc. highly resilient and economical.
Form finding & deployable

10
Disadvantages
Not conventionally rigid.
Exhibits infinitesimal flex
Must be pre-stressed to resist deformation in the
direction of the flex.
Susceptible to vibration.
Only exist under specific geometries.
Computation is difficult.
Position finding is difficult process.

11
Case Study-Kurilpa Foot Bridge
BRISBANE,
AUSTRALIA

12
 Modified version of a conventional cable-stayed bridge structure
Program - Pedestrian and cycle bridge
Bridge utilizes Buckminster Fullers principle of tensegrity producing a synergy between balanced
tension and compression components to create an incredibly strong and light structure.

13
DESIGN
Form of the bridge driven
by
Landing points
River clearance
Traversing roads
Length 470m
Main central span 128m
Width 6.5m
As a result structural depth
restricted from top of the
deck limited to less than
1m

14
 STRUCTURAL
SYSTEM
The 120m long Kurilpa Point
approach is a reinforced
concrete spiral ramp
structure comprising seven
spans up to 20m supported
on reinforced concrete blade
piers.
The deck cross section
tapers from a central 780mm
deep spine to 280mm deep
edges.
The Kurilpa Point approach is
separated from the
tensegrity river spans and
the Kurilpa Point landing
abutment by expansion
joints and bearings.
15
COMPONENTS
A composite steel and concrete deck
structure
A series of steel struts and cables
An integrated tensegrity array of steel
ties
Flying struts (spars)
A steel framed tensegrity canopy

16
CONSTRUCTION
One of the unique aspects of
the Kurilpa bridge is that span
over major river is the need for
the structure to support itself at
each stage of the erection,
without depending upon
temporary props and scaffolding
Structurally this span
composition is approximately
balanced eliminating the need
for massive abutments and
allowing the tensegrity structure
to be constructed via a
balanced cantilever technique.
Tie downs are provided at the
outer ends of the side spans to
counter the weight supported
17
over the large river span.
CONCLUSION
Tensegrity structures present a remarkable blend of
geometry & mechanics.
The analysis of tensegrity structures reveals the concept
that lightweight is a real measure of structural
effectiveness.
Tensegrity structures promise to be highly efficient in the
ratio of material to both performance and maintenance.
Investigations on foldable tensegrity structures are under
process which could be used for disaster relief in areas
devastated by earthquakes &other natural calamities, by
installing deployable systems in the form of temporal
dwellings, bridges, field hospitals, etc.
Favourable among scientists building outer space
structures due to self equilibrium state.
Tensegrity is the future of structural systems.
18
THANK YOU

19