The concept of utilizing tensegrity structures for covering a car sales pavilion

<ns3:p>Tensegrity structures are characterized by a unique way of component interaction, as they consist solely of compressed rods and tensioned tendons. Their significant advantage lies in their light weight while maintaining relatively high stiffness, making them ideal for shaping structures with large spans without the need for intermediate elements like columns. Additionally, these solutions are highly aesthetic and architecturally appealing, with a wide and versatile range of applications in relation to the planned function. This paper presents two concepts for covering a car dealership using a bar-and-crane structure, known as tensegrity, based on a master's thesis completed at Rzeszów University of Technology in 2000. Two solutions are proposed, differing in how the self-supporting overhead structure, with a span of approximately 36 meters, is supported by the main columns. The first solution assumes that the self-supporting structure would be suspended from columns extending above the building, topped with an octagonal tendon ring, while the second assumes it would be supported by an external ring resting on the main columns. The advantages and disadvantages of both versions are described, highlighting the more favorable solution</ns3:p>