The integration of elastically bent elements in a tensioning structure results in a so-called bending-active tensile structure. This master thesis analyses and demonstrates the structural and architectural potentials of the use of torsion and plate elements for bending-active tensile structures. The advantages of plate structures are investigated in conjunction with the geometric stiffening and pre-stressing effect of tensile elements and the control of geometry through torsion. By incorporating an assembly-based approach the relation between the bending-active and membrane elements is analyzed and extrapolated to the requirements for an outdoor application.
ITECH M.Sc. Thesis Project 2015: Torsion as A Design Driver in Bending-Active Tensile Structures - An Assembly-Based Approach for Torsion in Plate-Hybrid Structures
Evy L. M. Slabbinck
Thesis Advisers: Axel Körner
Thesis Supervisor: Prof. Jan Knippers
Second Supervisor: Prof. Achim Menges