A simple method for introducing tensile force in unit-based tension structures

In order to realize reliable tension structures, it is very important to make an appropriate plan for introducing tensile force in its construction process. For this purpose, "Unit-based" structure is useful and convenient. Unit-based tension structure is a system that is composed of structural units stabilized by introducing initial stress. In this paper, a very simple method for introducing tensile force considering the interaction between units is proposed. After the influence of the interaction is studied with a very simple model, it is proved that the final stress condition is largely affected by the means of introducing tensile forces in each units. Finally a simple method is proposed and the validity is examined by some simulations imitating actual construction process with plane and three-dimensional models.