Optimization of Footbridges Composed of Prismatic Tensegrity Modules

Abstract

The architectural potential of tensegrity structures is proven. Yet, paradoxically, very few real construction projects have been built around the world. The main reasons are complex construction processes, lack of design and optimization guidelines, and excessive self-weight due to the prestress needed to guarantee stiffness and dynamic behavior. Hence, optimizing the stiffness and self-weight is a key aspect when designing a tensegrity footbridge. Previous research has demonstrated the validity of a design and optimization methodology, based on morphological indicators, that identifies geometry with a maximum stiffness and=or a minimum self-weight for a family of structures. In this paper, that methodology is applied to footbridges composed of tensegrity modules comprising simplex, quadruplex, pentaplex, and hexaplex types. A comparison of the stiffest and lightest structures is provided, a practical case study is developed, and the relevance and feasibility of such tensegrity footbridges are discussed. As a result, the study provides advice on optimum footbridge topologies with the following characteristics: excellent stiffness and dynamic behavior; efficient structures composed of simplex modules; and self-weight that is still rather high but similar to that of bended structures, although with potential to be reduced thanks to optimization of the prestress scenario.

Seventy years of tensegrities (and counting)

“…Fig. 14 The sinuous TS footbridge presented in [42] (image courtesy of Jonas Feron and Pierre Latteur, UCLouvain) Fig. 15 The simplest free-standing three-dimensional tensegrity structure in a symmetric (left) and a non-symmetric (right) configuration obtained from the symmetric one by shortening the green cable and lengthening the red cable A 16-meter deployable footbridge concept was presented by Rhode-Barbarigos et al [39].…”

“…Latteur and coworkers [42] designed and optimized a TS footbridge obtained by juxtaposition of prismatic tensegrity modules (Fig. 14).…”

Minimal mass of prismatic tensegrity structures

“…Some researchers focus on studying a general approach to design the minimum mass of the structures (Chen and Skelton, 2020;Chen et al, 2023), and other researchers have applied the idea of minimum mass to concrete structural design (Ma et al, 2020). The prismatic tensegrity structures are used in footbridge (Feron et al, 2019), robotics (Wang et al, 2022), manipulator (Fadeyev et al, 2019), and other fields, and it has great research significance. The general approach was applied to study the minimum mass of prismatic tensegrity structures in this paper.…”

Parametric Analysis of Tensegrity Plate-Like Structures: Part 1—Qualitative Analysis

“…In the horizontal projection, the elements are arranged in a regular pattern. Double-layer tensegrity grids (also called tensegrity plate-like structures or tensegrity plates) are usually built from basic tensegrity modules such as Simplex [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] or Quartex [6,[14][15][16][17][18]. Adjacent modules in tensegrity plates can be connected in a contiguous configuration (struts are connected to each other) or a non-contiguous configuration (maintaining a discontinuous arrangement of compressed elements).…”