Tensegrity structures are pre-stressed systems of cables and bars in which no bar is connected to the other and the structure has no continuous rigid skeleton. This general introduction presents an original general method for the design of tensegrity structures, the first configurations of which were found by trial and error. The book begins with two-dimensional tensegrity structures, particularly tensegrity nets, tensegrity chains, tensegrity rings and tensegrity arches. These are then developed to original configurations of spatial tensegrity structures such as tensegrity slabs, primitive spatial tensegrity arches, and primitive tensegrity domes, as well as more elaborate spatial tensegrity structures such as tensegrity cylindrical shells, slim tensegrity domes, tensegrity vaults, and tensegrity caps. Presents a robust new approach to the design of tensegrity structures Extends tensegrity structures to new three-dimensional configurations Tensegrity Structures Design Methods suits structural, civil, and mechanical engineers and architects, as well as graduate students. Oren Vilnay is Professor Emeritus and was founder and head of the Department of Structural Engineering at Ben Gurion University Israel. He is also former head of the Structural Engineering Section at Technion—Israel Institute of Technology. Leon Chernin is Lecturer at the University of Dundee. He was granted a PhD in Structural Engineering from the Technion—Israel Institute of Technology. His research activities encompass both physical testing and numerical modelling. Margi Vilnay is Senior Lecturer at the University of Dundee. She was granted a PhD in Structural Engineering from Heriot-Watt University. She is a chartered member of the Institution of Civil Engineers and the first woman to be elected Vice-Chair of COMEC (Council of Military Education Committees).

To facilitate a deeper understanding of tensegrity structures, this book focuses on their two key design problems: self-equilibrium analysis and stability investigation. In particular, high symmetry properties of the structures are extensively utilized. Conditions for self-equilibrium as well as super-stability of tensegrity structures are presented in detail. An analytical method and an efficient numerical method are given for self-equilibrium analysis of tensegrity structures: the analytical method deals with symmetric structures and the numerical method guarantees super-stability. Utilizing group representation theory, the text further provides analytical super-stability conditions for the structures that are of dihedral as well as tetrahedral symmetry. This book not only serves as a reference for engineers and scientists but is also a useful source for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students. Keeping this objective in mind, the presentation of the book is self-contained and detailed, with an abundance of figures and examples.

This book discusses analytical tools for designing energy efficient and lightweight structures that embody the concept of tensegrity. The book provides both static and dynamic analysis of special tensegrity structural concepts, which are motivated by biological material architecture. This is the first book written to attempt to integrate structure and control design.

Tensegrity structures are pre-stressed systems of cables and bars in which no bar is connected to the other and the structure has no continuous rigid skeleton. This general introduction presents an original general method for the design of tensegrity structures, the first configurations of which were found by trial and error. The book begins with two-dimensional tensegrity structures, particularly tensegrity nets, tensegrity chains, tensegrity rings and tensegrity arches. These are then developed to original configurations of spatial tensegrity structures such as tensegrity slabs, primitive spatial tensegrity arches, and primitive tensegrity domes, as well as more elaborate spatial tensegrity structures such as tensegrity cylindrical shells, slim tensegrity domes, tensegrity vaults, and tensegrity caps. Presents a robust new approach to the design of tensegrity structures Extends tensegrity structures to new three-dimensional configurations Tensegrity Structures Design Methods suits structural, civil, and mechanical engineers and architects, as well as graduate students. Oren Vilnay is Professor Emeritus and was founder and head of the Department of Structural Engineering at Ben Gurion University Israel. He is also former head of the Structural Engineering Section at Technion—Israel Institute of Technology. Leon Chernin is Lecturer at the University of Dundee. He was granted a PhD in Structural Engineering from the Technion—Israel Institute of Technology. His research activities encompass both physical testing and numerical modelling.

The word tensegrity results from the contraction of 'tensional' and 'integrity', a word created by Richard Buckminster Fuller. He went on to describe tensegrity structures as 'islands of compression in an ocean of tension', and René Motro has developed a comprehensive definition which is 'systems in a stable self equilibriated system comprising a discontinuous set of compressed components inside a continuum of tensioned components'. This publication represents the life work of a leading exponent of a revolutionary and exciting method of structural design.* Represents the life work of a leading exponent of a revolutionary and exciting method of structural design* Applicable to architecture as an established structural system, can also be applied to other fields* Design professionals will be able to design better structures. Interested non-professionals will experience the great pleasure of being able to say "I understand why the Hisshorn tower stands up"

Tensegrity structures are really intriguing: bars floating in the air, without any contact to a solid support, attached only by wires to other bars… that are also floating in the air! The aim of this work is to serve as an introduction to such an atypical kind of structure. It tries to explain everything about the controversial origins and polemic fatherhood; tensegrities from various fields, other than Architecture, structural principles, characteristics, advantages and weakness; precedent and current works and patents; and finally, some new proposals, proving that it is possible to find some applications to architectural and engineering purposes. In conclusion, this work tries to be a guide and reference to a new world of structural possibilities that is blooming and finding its path.