Figure 22

CHAPTER 8 APPLICATION OF TENSEGRITY STRUCTURE

As we have understood basic concept and basic classification of tensegrity system, now we will try to understand the application of this system with the help of some examples.

The examples will be presented on the bases of both real and false tensegrity. Firstly, it is necessary to recall the difference between real and false tensegrity. So, in pure tensegrity one compressed member touches only 3 or more tensioned members. The rhombic configuration and the zig-zag configuration comes under real or pure tensegrity whereas, the circuit configuration is considered to be false tensegrity.

8.1 DOMES

The major work and studies on tensegrity system are done so the bases of spherical and polyhedral configuration. Most of the authors have applied the concept of tensegrity “the continuous tension-discontinuous compression” to different kind of domes from a sphere or spherical polyhedral configuration.

The first one to apply tensegrity in domes was Buckminster Fuller in 1953. Which was also first where geodesic tensegrity domes every constructed but, it lacked in stability due to the absence of triangulation.

Figure 22