Experimental and numerical investigation of a tensairity arch

• Tensairity arches are investigated through experiments and simulations.
• A good agreement is found between experiments and simulations when manufacturing imperfections are included in the simulation.
• An increase in the membranes shear stiffness or inner pressure has a positive influence on the load bearing behaviour of the arch.

The Tensairity principle is a recent concept for lightweight structures. Until now, mainly linear beam elements have been developed and investigated. To broaden the range of Tensairity applications, Tensairity arches are investigated experimentally and numerically. This paper focusses on the validation of the numerical approach for Tensairity arches. The results shows that a good agreement is found between the numerical and experimental approach when the manufacturing imperfections are included in the numerical model. This paper also documents a basic parameter study on the validated numerical model to prove the usefulness and effectiveness of this numerical approach. Finally, the Tensairity arch is up-scaled to spans of 8 m where it is compared to other inflatable arches currently used. These results clearly show the added advantage the Tensairity principle can bring for inflatable arch structures.