Print Email Facebook Twitter Tensegrity bridges: Concept design of pedestrian bridges using tensegrity as load carrying system Title Tensegrity bridges: Concept design of pedestrian bridges using tensegrity as load carrying system Author De Boeck, J. Contributor Bijlaard, F.S.K. (mentor) Kolstein, M.H. (mentor) Borgart, A. (mentor) Van der Tol, T.P.M. (mentor) Faculty Civil Engineering and Geosciences Department Structural Engineering Date 2013-11-08 Abstract Tensegrity corresponds to a structural principle consisting of strut and tie elements forming a 3D ensemble. The amazing, impressive and unusual character of tensegrities leads to the wondering of structural and functional performance of tensegrity. This results in interest concerning possibilities of applying tensegrity as load carrying structure in a pedestrian bridge design. A concept presenting potential of tensegrity in bridge design is developed and analyzed. History of tensegrity, existing project, known shape, an over-view of information gained by sculpting 3D models are presented. A presentation of a 3 strut tensegrity module (module A), modeled with a FEM-analysis program follows. Combining several modules A leads to a first concept proposition for a bridge design. Next, a realization of a first alternative in tensegrity bridge concept based on a 3 strut tensegrity module (module B) is developed and presented. Node coordinates have been altered. Appurtenant structures are analyzed and compared, resulting in improved concept propositions. Similarities between the first concept and first alternative are observed. Knowledge gained from alternative one is used to improve the first concept resulting in a second working alternative. Evaluating both alternatives results in decision of developing the second alternative further. A variety of module combination for different spans is produced and results from FEM analyses are observed leading to the conclusion that less modules in a design improves effectiveness of the structure by reducing buckling issues. Replacing long deck elements by tensegrity systems result in a further optimization of the concept. Concluding analyses with static and dynamic observations leading to confirmation that bridge design using tensegrity as load carrying structural concept is possible and realistic. Exact statements concerning dynamics cannot be made, due to difficulties of determining frequencies and modal stiffness of the structure. Estimations of frequencies and velocities are made, demonstrating influence and importance of pre-stressing in the structure. Pre-stressing allows adjusting parameter such that problems of discomfort due to vibrations are prevented. However further developments of the concept should include pre-cautions allowing incorporating dampers after construction. Existing information concerning dynamics is insufficient for exact predictions on consequences of human induced vibrations. Subject tensegritybridgepedestrian bridgeform findingdynamicsprismcompressiontension To reference this document use: http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:bdab80b7-ed0e-4236-8e8f-74ff4ac75be5 Part of collection Student theses Document type master thesis Rights (c) 2013 De Boeck, J. Files PDF Tensegrity_bridges_Matser ... _Boeck.pdf 24.8 MB Close viewer /islandora/object/uuid:bdab80b7-ed0e-4236-8e8f-74ff4ac75be5/datastream/OBJ/view