Effect of fabric webs on the static response of spindle-shaped Tensairity girders

The role of fabric webs on the static response of spindle-shaped Tensairity girders is experimentally investigated. Symmetric Tensairity spindles with 5m span were tested in a purpose built test rig.

Two girders, one with and one without a fabric web connecting the compression and tension element were compared. Distributed loads were applied by means of a whippletree system actuated by two electromechanical drives. Deformations were measured with a 3d image correlation system. The experiments conducted with an air pressure of 250 mbar show that the fabric web increases the stiffness and the ultimate load of the Tensairity girder by about a factor 3 and 2, respectively, while the weight of the girder increases due to the web by only 12 percent. Thus, fabric webs are an interesting possibility to further enhance the load bearing behaviour of spindle shaped Tensairity girders.