Self-stress design of tensegrity grid structures using genetic algorithm

•A numerical method using force density method combined with genetic algorithm has been proposed for initial self-stress design of tensegrity grid structures according to external loads.•The proposed method can find multiple initial integral feasible self-stress with regard to a diversity grouping.•The feature of the proposed method is that the most critical member can be identified by initial self-stress forces ratio to member forces.

A numerical method is presented for the force identification of tensegrity grid structures according to external loads by using a force method combined with a genetic algorithm. The proposed method can find multiple initial self-stress modes by a diversity grouping. A genetic algorithm is used to uniquely define a single integral feasible set of initial self-stress for each case. Moreover the most critical member can be found by using the maximum value of self-stress mode scaling. Several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the efficiency in determination of an initial integral feasible self-stress mode and its self-stress mode scaling for load-carrying capacity of tensegrity grid structures.