Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
6741325 | Engineering Structures | 2013 | 10 Pages |
Abstract
Two new designs for spindle-shaped Tensairity girders with a reinforced coupling between the chords are proposed. The first one uses a continuous coated-fabric web and the second one a discrete reinforcement composed of 23 steel wire ropes to facilitate the load transfer between the chords. Both girders are studied experimentally and numerically and compared to the original design. A simple analytical model is proposed for the homogeneous load case. Results show that the behavior of the Tensairity girders is significantly improved by the integration of a reinforcement for all tested load configurations. Under homogeneous distributed load at 25Â kPa the coupling increases the stiffness and the ultimate load by about a factor 3 and 2, respectively, while the weight of the girder increases due to the fabric web or the cables by only 12% and 29%, respectively. At 50Â kPa a live load to dead load ratio of 95 has been achieved, which is twice as much as for the original design.
Keywords
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Earth and Planetary Sciences
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
Authors
Cédric Galliot, Rolf H. Luchsinger,