# In Search of Lightweight Deployable Tensegrity Columns
## 1 Introduction
Another structure of this type was proposed in [15], where the authors presented an algorithm for the reconfiguration of a two-stage tensegrity mast. Another work [16] explored possible deployment scenarios of tensegrity systems. They can be folded and unfolded in many ways: by modifying the lengths of struts, cables, or both, using a bundle or plane type folding. In the present paper, the authors propose and analyze four lightweight deployable tensegrity columns. Although the structures are based on typical tensegrity modules and some of the already described connections are used, the results presented in this study are original from the point of view of civil engineering applications of these columns. To the best knowledge of the authors, there is no such thorough analysis in the literature that focuses on the comparison and assessment of tensegrity columns aimed at supporting lightweight structures. Most of the works that concern deployable tensegrity systems focus on the geometrical aspects in order to show the variety of possible applications of such structures or on the space applications, which cannot be directly applied to civil engineering problems. The structures proposed in this work are aimed at civil engineering applications such as: supports for temporary structures (tents, big advertisement banners, temporary antenna masts), lightweight ceilings, large-scale tents, historic buildings, etc. ; or as additional supports of structures affected by partial damage caused, for example, by fire. The are various numerical and analytical methods that can be used for the analysis of lightweight deployable tensegrity systems. In [12], the study of an active deployable tensegrity footbridge was presented. The author focused on the geometric study of the deployment, which was aimed at identifying the contact-free deployment-path space and the path with the minimum number of actuators required. The response of the structure was analyzed numerically using a dynamic relaxation algorithm. Another approach was proposed in [15], where a reconfiguration study of multi-stage tensegrity systems was discussed. The authors used the infinitesimal mechanisms to generate a path of positions along which a multi-stage tensegrity can change its shape. They combined the force density method with a marching procedure and found a solution that was given by a set of differential equations that defined the kinematic constraints of the system. In the present paper, the proposed tensegrity columns were analyzed using a method developed by the authors in [17]. The method is based on the combination of two approaches: the finite element analysis (FEA) and the multibody dynamics (MBD) simulations. Due to the fact that this paper focuses on the preliminary numerical analysis of several structures and is aimed at finding the most appropriate solution for the assumed application, the proposed method has not been validated using any real models of the structures. Such a validation is planned as further steps of the research. However, the authors proved the reliability of the applied method by comparing the results obtained from MBD and FE simulations at various steps of the analysis.