Abstract
A physical model of the simplest three-dimensional tensegrity unit was built at human-scale out of aluminum. Self-stress implementation and static loading tests were performed on this model. At each step, accurate measurements were obtained for all nodal positions and element forces. For the prestressing phase, elongations were imposed, via mechanical devices, in different combinations of elements, called prestress scenarios. Experimental results are compared to the theoretical self-stress state obtained by singular value decomposition of the equilibrium matrix and to numerical simulations using the dynamic relaxation method. It is shown that internal forces follow the same linear trend for all prestress scenarios even if the geometry is significantly impacted. Compressive tests were conducted by hanging masses from the top nodes. It is shown that there exists a unique load-displacement relation, that follows the “infinitesimal” mechanism direction for a “finite” distance which depends on the self-stress level. The paper provides a detailed overview of the simplex’s structural behavior using both experimental and numerical results while discussing the limitations of the analysis methods explored.