Experimental investigation of a deployable Tensairity arch

The structural concept Tensairity is a new structure which is known for its lightweight, small transport volume and fast erection. These structures can be applied in a large variety of applications ranging from large span bridges to temporary constructions. The current concept of Tensairity consists of separate elements (struts, closed airtight membrane and cables) which need to be assembled on site. To make the structure foldable – and hence only needs to be inflated on site, which decreases the assemble time, it is possible to apply hinges in the struts. These structures are called the deployable Tensairity structures. In this paper the kinematics of a deployable Tensairity arch will be analyzed. The kinematics of different folding mechanisms were investigated, where the main focus was to minimize the transport volume without compromising on the stiffness of the structure in the inflated state.