Comparison between experimental tests and numerical simulations carried out on a tensegrity minigrid

Tensegrity systems are structures in equilibrium under an initial self-stress state. This self-stress state is composed of elementary self-stress states, which constitute its basis. They have complex behaviour and the self-stress state can be modified by external loads. A continuous dialogue between numerical simulations and experimental tests made it possible to validate previous models. In this paper, we checked the validity of the indirect methods currently used to measure cable tension. Static and vibratory measurements clearly show that the bending moment of the elements influences the behaviour of the structure. In the computational analysis, it is therefore necessary to consider embedding of the elements although the structure is not entirely rigid. Moreover, structural beam finite elements are necessary for a correct calculation of bar behaviour within the structure. Our results contribute to improve the modelling of the behaviour of tensegrity grids as conceived in the Tensarch project.