Tall Tensegrities - A Parametric Deformation Control Analysis

Abstract

The design of tall structures with high slenderness, i.e. width/height ratio, and minimum self-weight, considers in addition to aspects of modularity, constructability and connectivity of the primary members, the static and dynamic behavior of the systems. Assuming constant mass and damping ratio over the height of the building, the structure necessitates respective definition of its stiffness properties, resulting from its configuration, i.e. geometrical stiffness, and the section properties of the members applied, for achieving controlled deformations under horizontal loading. In particular, structural deformation control is traced in the current paper in simplified means through a Finite-Element Analysis of a tall tensegrity structure with overall system dimensions of 12.12/96 m, i.e. 1/7.92 slenderness, developed in three different configurations. Furthermore, a differentiated pretension of the tension-only members of one of the systems has been applied for control of its response behavior. The parametric structural analysis of the tensegrity systems verifies the significant role of the tension-only elements in the system stabilization and horizontal response.