A Method for Determining the Set of Feasible Prestress Forces for Specified Geometry
International Journal of Steel Structures, cilt.25, sa.4, ss.785-798, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 25 Sayı: 4
- Basım Tarihi: 2025
- Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s13296-025-00970-8
- Dergi Adı: International Journal of Steel Structures
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, ABI/INFORM, Compendex, INSPEC
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.785-798
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Cable domes, Feasible prestress, Force density method, Force finding, Form finding, Tensegrity
- İstanbul Üniversitesi-Cerrahpaşa Adresli: Evet
Özet
In the design of tensegrity systems, which are commonly used in large-span structures, the determination of a set of prestress forces is one of the most critical issues. The stability of a tensegrity system depends on a set of prestress forces that ensure the entire structure remains in equilibrium and may need architectural requirements. For a specified geometry, a set of prestress forces that are in equilibrium can be obtained through iteration, and this set of prestress forces is referred to as feasible. This study introduces a novel approach for obtaining a feasible set of prestress forces for desired geometries through nonlinear iteration using the Force Density Method. The proposed method effectively mitigates singularity issues arising from non-invertible force density matrices, thereby enhancing computational robustness and reliability. The methodology is applied to four geometric configurations: a simple model, a Levy dome, and two Geiger domes (with and without inner rings), demonstrating its ability to achieve a set of prestress forces that are consistent with established benchmarks. These results highlight the method's potential as a practical and reliable tool for addressing prestress design challenges in tensegrity structures.