# In Search of Lightweight Deployable Tensegrity Columns
## 5 Results and Discussion
### Overlapped Simplex Column  
In the first deployment scenario, there are 54 cables, and all of them are active to change the height of the structure, keeping the tensegrity form all the time. The number of actuators is 23, which is less than the number of active cables because cables that have the same function of length can share the actuator. The grouping is analogous to the simplex column (6 actuators for diagonal module cables, 12 actuators for diagonal intermodular cables, and 13 cables for base cables). The column is planar in the stored form with the same remark on bundling as in the simplex column case. Since there are 23 actuators that must be operated at the same time, it is assumed that erecting cannot be done by hand, but one person can operate the synchronized powered actuators. The column is prestressed all the time, so it is assumed to be insensitive to the additional forces.  
In the second deployment scenario, there is one cable more, but with less actuators used. This additional cable controls one of the joints (on the lowest base) that initially does not touch the ground. The deployment is analogous to the second deployment scheme of the simplex column. The deployment can be realized by controlling the aforementioned base cable and three diagonal intermodular cables (the structure is flexible enough to be set between two parallel planes during the rotation; see Figure 10). Initially, the structure must be prestressed/shaped from the bundle form using a maximum of 30 module and intermodular diagonal active cables (this is the worst case scenario, but in reality, it might be less; laboratory tests must be performed in the future), which gives 33 active cables in total. The intermodular diagonal active cables can be controlled in pairs, which gives 21 actuators at the end. The prestressing and column erection can be performed by hand and by one person because the active cables can be adjusted one-by-one. The natural storing form for this layout is a bundle. The structure is still stable vertical-wise, but it can be susceptible to horizontal forces (depending on the direction).  
Here, the supports shall be assured analogously to the simplex column described earlier.  
In Figure 10, both deployment scenarios are presented at the beginning of the deployment. For the second scenario also, the selected frames from the deployment are presented.  
In Figure 10a, a structure is in its folded form, ready to be deployed. In reality, it can be even flatter (here, it is higher due to the computer model limitations). In Figure 10b, the structure is preset for deployment, i.e., it is stretched over the area and ready for the self-stress application. In Figure 10c, the structure is deployed using an additional cable that connects one of the base nodes with the ground. On the left, there is a random middle time frame presented; on the right, there is a situation presented where the structure deforms to be placed under a flat surface (4 m above the ground). Afterwards, the self-stress will be applied.  
Figure 9: The simplex column deployment: (**a**) The first deployment scheme. (**b**) The second deployment scheme.