Application of tensegrity to tensile-textile constructions: Formfinding and structural analysis

This paper applies tensegrity to create an architectural structure such as those that could be used for sportsarenas or other buildings requiring large, open spaces. This proposal generates an external tensegrity ríng witha central dome, free of any interior support, by formfindíng a diamond-shaped membrane with discontinuous struts in a double layer structure that finds its equilibrium through the pretension of the membrane. The tendons that are used in traditional tensegrity structures are replaced by membranes and thís propasal is the main contríbution of this work. Structural equilibrium was analyzed using the WinTess software and wind-tunnel testing was used to determine the Cp-pressure coefficient