Experimental and numerical analysis of a novel structure obtained by joining two tensegrity-based units using simple construction methods.

The article focuses on the development and evaluation of a novel tensegrity-based tensile unit designed for simplified construction and practical architectural applications. This unit integrates two simplex tensegrity configurations into a space-filling polyhedron-like form, enabling easy tension management through frequency measurement of tension members and straightforward assembly via node-to-joint connections. Experimental fabrication and loading tests, supported by numerical analyses using the SPACE software, demonstrated that the tensile forces can be accurately introduced and the mechanical behavior of assembled structures can be reliably predicted, despite some discrepancies attributed to shape imperfections and overlapping tension members. The study concludes that the proposed tensile unit facilitates manufacturability and on-site assembly while allowing for effective structural design through numerical modeling.