Double‐Layer Tensegrity Grids: Static Load Response. Part II: Experimental Study

Abstract

Tensegrity structures are freestanding prestressed cable networks in which the cables are prestressed against a discontinuous system of bars. In double‐layer tensegrity grids (DLTGs), the bars are confined between two parallel layers of cables. This is the second paper in a two‐part analytical and experimental study of a type of DLTG. The first part, presenting results of a first‐order linear analytical model, indicates that these structures possess low stiffness and low bar force efficiency. The experimental investigation of a small‐scale model indicates that actual response is significantly nonlinear and that both stiffness and bar force efficiency are higher than indicated by the linear model. Member forces due to the applied load are generally higher than the linear model indicates. A nonlinear analytical model is generally in good agreement with the results. The concept, consisting of independent prismatic units, possesses a high degree of structural redundancy. Load‐bearing capacity is practically unaffected by the loss of a member.