Abstract Tensegrity is a kind of efficient structural system that is composed of continuous cables in tension and discontinuous struts in compression. Although the studies on tensegrity have been carried out by many researchers, there are few methods for assembling large-span tensegrity by multiple units. Inspired by the similarities between reciprocal units and tensegrity units, we present a novel method for designing large-span tensegrity structures with reciprocal struts, which is a kind of new tensegrity structural system that can cover a large area, while the rule of discontinuous struts is followed strictly. The proposed design method includes assembly, topology optimization, and shape design. The prototype; i.e., initial topology, of the tensegrity is generated from reciprocal struts. A topology optimization method using ground structure approach is proposed to remove the redundant cables from the initial topology. A shape design method using fictitious stiffness parameters is proposed to satisfy the architectural shape demand. The form-finding problem, which is to find the self-equilibrium shape in the topology optimization as well as shape design processes, is solved by using the non-rigid-body motion analysis method. Numerical examples demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed method.

中文翻译：

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大跨度相互支撑张拉整体结构拓扑优化与形状设计方法

摘要 张拉整体是一种由受拉连续索和受压不连续支柱组成的高效结构体系。虽然很多研究者都对张拉整体进行了研究，但目前还鲜有将大跨度张拉整体多单元拼装的方法。受相互单元和张拉整体单元的相似性启发，我们提出了一种设计具有相互支撑的大跨度张拉整体结构的新方法，这是一种可以覆盖大面积的新型张拉整体结构体系，而不连续支撑的规则是严格遵守。所提出的设计方法包括装配、拓扑优化和形状设计。原型; 即，张拉整体的初始拓扑是由相互支撑产生的。提出了一种使用接地结构方法的拓扑优化方法，从初始拓扑中去除冗余电缆。提出了一种利用虚拟刚度参数的形状设计方法来满足建筑形状的需求。利用非刚体运动分析方法解决了在拓扑优化和形状设计过程中寻找自平衡形状的找形问题。数值例子证明了所提出方法的有效性和适用性。使用非刚体运动分析方法求解。数值例子证明了所提出方法的有效性和适用性。使用非刚体运动分析方法求解。数值例子证明了所提出方法的有效性和适用性。