Tensegrity bridge with prestressed deck

In this paper, structural analysis and design of a tensegrity bridge with prestressed deck is introduced. As a matter of fact, cable pretension results in prestressing of the deck. Nonlinear geometric effects, key load cases, influence of main cable's rise and modal analysis of this type of structure is studied by finite element method. The structural behaviour of the tensegrity bridge appears to be suitable for a footbridge, although peculiar with respect to traditional footbridges. Some suggestions about structural design, material properties and structural behaviour are summarized.