Analysis of tensegrity structures with XC

Tensegrity structures are usually defined as structural systems that maintain their shape by using a discontinuous set of compressive elements (struts) that are connected to a continuous net of prestressed tensile elements (cables). This case study deals with the analysis of several 2D and 3D tensegrity units. In all cases, the results issued by the finite element model in XC compares very well with those forthcoming from symbolic analysis. A 3D-corotational truss formulation with XC appears to be an effective technique for solving the geometrically nonlinear problem that arises in a tensegrity structure.Read the paper