The Bridge Design of Tensegrity Structures Using Parametric Analysis

Abstract

The paper considers the features of using tensegrity (self-stressed) structures in the design of the bridge structure span. Since tensegrity structures have proven themselves in the work of artistic and architectural structures, their implementation in the bridge construction sphere is of interest to design engineers. This is reflected not only in the appearance of some pedestrian tensegrity bridges, but also in the development of methods for analyzing and calculating self-stressed structures in relation to bridge construction. One of these methods is parametric analysis, proposed by foreign researchers and based on the identification of the characteristics of individual elements (parameters) and their influence on the behavior of building structures. The main features of parametric analysis were considered on the example of the design solution of the tensegrity bridge structure in the form of a modular system. The structural features of the structure under consideration are evaluated on the example of several types of basic modules. The dependence of the geometric characteristics of individual elements on their rigidity, as well as their influence on the structure as a whole, is revealed. Based on the research, brief conclusions were drawn about the effectiveness of the considered analysis of tensegrity structures and the prospects for its further application were evaluated. In addition, some practical examples of existing self-stressed structures in the form of bridge structures are demonstrated.