Analysis of a pedestrian bridge formed by a spatial doble layer grid supporting structure and coupled to tensegrity prestressed modules

Abstract

In this paper, a novel configuration of a tensegrity system it is studied. The DSVD form-finding method is applied to obtain the numerical solution of the equilibrium equations. The nodal coordinates and the internal forces that allows the self-equilibrium of the tensegrity system are obtained. The nonlinear structural analysis of the tensegrity assemble is pressented. At the same time, the supporting structure of the pedestrian bridge is studied according to the theory of spatial pin-jointed truss structures. Two boundary conditions cases that includes both the supports of the pedestrian bridge supportant structure and the tensegrity structure are analyzed, and there are determined the optimal boundary conditions that allows the desired mechanical behavior.
The results obtained establish the prestress level of bars and cables elements, as well as the cross-section dimensions required. The
characteristics of the analysis of both structural systems are described, as well as various stages of their equilibrium forms until obtaining the stable form that complies with the regulatory requirements in the matter.