Experimental study of the effect of fabric webs on static response of Tensairity culmns to axial compresion

Abstract

Tensairity is a lightweight structural concept consisting of struts and cables stabilised by an inflated tube (Luchsinger et al. [1]). One of the latest structural developments is the application of a fabric web inside the air tube. This web, prestressed by the air pressure, is ascribed a positive effect on the stabilisation of the compression elements. Experimental research was performed to study the effect of the inflated tube and, in particular, fabric webs on the buckling behaviour of full-scale Tensairity columns (Wever et al. [2]). Two 5 m long spindle-shaped Tensairity columns were tested: one without and one with internal webs. For different tube pressures the structures were subjected to an axial compressive load. The responses were analysed and compared. In practice the buckling behaviour of both columns appeared to improve for higher pressures, emphasising the stabilising effect of overpressure. Besides, the webs contributed in a positive manner to the response of the column. For every regarded pressure the Tensairity column with webs performed better in terms of axial stiffness and buckling load than the column without webs.