Structural behavior of asymmetric spindle-shaped Tensairity girders under bending loads

The load bearing behavior of an asymmetric spindle shaped Tensairity girder is studied experimentally and compared to finite element analyses. The influence of the air pressure on the stiffness of the structure is investigated for homogeneous distributed load, asymmetric distributed load and a local load at the center of the structure. An overall good correlation between experiments and finite element predictions was found. An analytical model based on two coupled ordinary differential equations is presented and solved for the homogeneous distributed load case. The role of the form of the Tensairity girder on the stiffness is investigated by comparing the load-deflection behavior of the asymmetric spindle shaped girder with a cylindrical shaped girder.