Dynamic Behavior of a Tensegrity System Subjected to Follower Wind Loading

The aim of this paper is to present a possible develop-line for the study of large lightweight roof structures by non-linear geometric analysis, under the dynamic effects of the turbulent action of the wind, that can be applied into the classical engineering applications. In particular the paper deals with the study of tensegrity systems, that can be defined as pattern that results when push (struts) and pull (tendons) have a win-win relationship with each other. The pull is continuous and the push is discontinuous. The continuous pull is balanced by the discontinuous push producing an integrity of tension-compression. Static and dynamic analyses of the wind action effects on one example of such tensegrity system, i.e. the roof over the La Plata stadium, Argentina, have been performed by using the geometrically non-linear FE procedure named "Loki". The wind loads are simulated as deformation-dependent forces. Both experimental data and numerical results available from the roof designers, have permitted to control the reliability of the proposed mathematical model.