Applications of Tensegrity Structures in Civil Engineering

The objective of the present paper is to describe the applications of tensegrity structures in civil engineering (roofs, domes, stadiums, etc.). The term of tensegrity was introduced by Fuller in the middle 50th of XX century. There are several definitions of this concept. For the purpose of this paper the tensegrity is defined a pin-joined system with a particular configuration of cables and struts that form a statically indeterminate structure in a stable equilibrium. Infinitesimal mechanism should exist in a tensegrity with equivalent self-stress state. Major advantages of tensegrity are: large stiffness-to-mass ratio, deployability, reliability and controllability.