Expo02 Tensegrity

Tensegrity structures are based on a network of element working in pure compression or traction. In this experiment, star-shaped tensegrity modules composed of steel tubes and ropes were tested under different types of loading and pre-stressing.

Aim of monitoring:

SOFO sensors were installed on all elements (tubes and ropes) to monitor their deformations when the structures was pre-stressed and under load applied at different locations. 

Main results:

The Measurements resulted in a better understanding of the complicated behavior of these structures. It was found that by low pre-stressing values, the response of the structure is highly non-linear, while for higher pre-stresses it behaves more and more linearly