Bubok

Tensegrity is a relatively new principle (50 years old) based on the use of isolated components in compression inside a net of continuous tension, in such a way that the compressed members (usually bars or struts) do not touch each other and the prestressed tensioned members (usually cables or tendons) delineate the system spatially.

The main aim of this work is to prove that it is possible to find some applications for such an atypical kind of structure, in spite of its particular flexibility and relatively high deflections. With this premise, an in-depth research has been carried out, trying to make the controversial origins clearer, as well as the polemic about the fatherhood of the discovery, the steps that followed the progress of the studies and the evolution until the present day.

Some references about precedent works that have been important for the development of tensegrity structures have also been mentioned. Moreover, the continuous tension-discontinuous compression has also been shown to be a basic principle of nature; therefore, this work makes an effort to gather more information from various fields, other than Architecture, and to find out what the derivations of these phenomena are, especially in the so-called biotensegrity.

In order to achieve the intended purpose, it is essential to understand the structural principles of floating compression or tensegrity, and to define the fundamental forces at play. Once this point is established, the characteristics of these structures are described, as well as their advantages and weakness when applying them to Architecture.

Many experts have been working for the past decades on the subject. Precedent and current works founded on tensegrity are presented in this thesis, distinguishing between false and true tensegrities; the definition is crucial to accept or refuse the legitimacy of using the term. Besides, an intense research on patented works tried to find out more feasible possibilities already invented.

Finally, some proposals designed by the author are shown, as an illustration of the possibilities and potentials of tensegrity structures, rather than detailed drawings proposed for a real project.

When looking at the bibliography, it might be noted that this research has been based on a large number of previous publications. This is because the dissertation also has the aim of serving as a guide to future investigators who could find useful references along with the sources cited.