# Parametric Analysis of Tensegrity Plate-Like Structures: Part 1--Qualitative Analysis
## 1 Introduction
Israeli researcher [PERSON] had a great impact on the development of research on tensegrity plates [27; 28; 29; 30; 31]. [PERSON] tested how to combine basic tensegrity modules to obtain systems with sufficient rigidity and optimal features in terms of weight. He presented a geometrically rigid two-layer tensegrity grid and, like [PERSON], proposed the use of tensegrity plates as temporary structures. Two-layer tensegrity grids were also widely investigated by [PERSON] and [PERSON] with their teams. The aim of the French scientists' research was to confirm the possibility of the application of tensegrity structures in engineering structures [14; 32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37]. An experimental structure model consisting of nine modified Quartex modules was built. As part of the Tensarch project, which was the main part of [PERSON]'s dissertation, an experimental model of a tensegrity board consisting of 2V expander modules was created [14; 33; 34]. [PERSON] also considered similarly structured plates. [PERSON], [PERSON] and [PERSON] proposed the use of tensegrity plates consisting of 2V expander modules as a temporary structure for people with reduced mobility [35; 36; 37]. Other interesting concepts of two-layer tensegrity grids have been presented by [PERSON] [38]. The models were built with modified Quartex modules and described on complicated geometric solids. Apart from standard applications of tensegrity plates, non-standard ones can be found. Interesting proposals of using double-layered tensegrity grids were presented by [PERSON] and [PERSON] [39; 40; 41] (Figure 3). In the paper [39], the researchers presented the concept of modeling tensegrity plates as a continuous model. This approach was also used by [PERSON] [4; 5]. [PERSON] and [PERSON] additionally proposed the use of tensegrity plate-like structures built with Simplex and Quartex modules as intelligent constructions [40] and structures of metamaterials [41]. As in the works of [PERSON] and [PERSON], the use of tensegrity in the context of intelligent construction was dealt with by [PERSON], [PERSON] and [PERSON] [42; 43]. They proposed the concept of a plate built with three or five adjustable tensegrity star modules. Figure 2: Double-layered tensegrity grids built with modified Quartex: (**a**) model of [PERSON] and [PERSON] [22], (**b**) model of [PERSON] and [PERSON] [23], (**c**) model of the [PERSON] et al. [24]. The abovementioned examples are theoretical or experimental works. However, there are also practical applications of tensegrity plates in civil engineering. The most famous and the most spectacular example of a two-layer tensegrity grid was the Blur Building pavilion [44; 45; 46], created as a temporary structure for Expo 2012 in Switzerland (Figure 4a). The structure was created from octahedron modules with additional cables connecting the top surface. The tensegrity structure was also used as the roofing of a bank annex patio in Athens [47] (Figure 4b). A similar construction is used as the roofing of the exhibition pavilion in Patras, Greece [47] (Figure 4c). Other suggestions for the application of tensegrity plates in real engineering constructions can be found, for example, in [48; 49]. Figure 4: Practical applications of tensegrity in civil engineering: (**a**) Blur Building [46], (**b**) a patio roof of a bank annex (Athens, Greece) [47], (**c**) an exhibition pavilion for _Patras Cultural Capital of Europe_ (Patras, Greece) [47]. Figure 3: Double-layered tensegrity grids proposed by [PERSON] and [PERSON]: (**a**) model from [39], (**b**) model from [41]. The review of the literature showed that the vast majority of works are devoted mainly to the search for geometrical configuration, control of the shape of tensegrity structures under the influence of external loads and the application of these structures. The parametric analysis, determining the influence of self-stress states on the static properties of these structures, has been developed slightly.