Implementation of a computer algorithm for an interactive 3D CAD generation of tensegrity structures

Abstract

Tensegrity is a technology that can be applied to structures and its use can influence the construction time efficiency and project management in general. A significant drawback for a systematic application of tensegrity structures in the construction industry is the particularly complex geometry that engineers and architects have to generate in a two or three dimensional virtual or physical environment. This paper discusses a computer based utility that will facilitate the design professional to devise and construct a specific morphological variation of tensegrity structure systems. This utility applies to a recently developed building technology application which allows methods of forming a structure based on the rapid assembly of existing tensegrity units, permitting variability in the overall structure's form and dimensions. The development of the proposed utility was based on a methodology that identified and included parameters that can be associated to the schematic design and design development phases of a design project. Various methods of processing data, each of which may correspond to the needs of the designer, are enabled within the interface; domical, vaulted and slab configurations are the principal geometries addressed. Emphasis in the software application was placed on the development of a user friendly interactive environment that assists the generation and modification of the numerical data, and allows unobtrusive regenerations of alternate solutions. The developed utility - an automation tool - is to be used for decision making, enabling the user to iterate processes and make fine adjustments that will satisfy the agenda of parameters set by the project designers. The software application has been validated with a series of tests, briefly presented in the paper.