Tensile structure
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In structural engineering, a tensile structure is a construction of elements carrying only tension and no compression or bending. The term tensile should not be confused with tensegrity, which is a structural form with both tension and compression elements. Tensile structures are the most common type of thin-shell structures.
The world's first tensile steel shell by Vladimir Shukhov (during construction), Nizhny Novgorod, 1895
The Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Kings Domain, Melbourne
The Olympiastadion in Munich makes extensive use of tensile roofing structures.
Frei Otto tensile structures for the Munich 72 Olympic Games, Germany.
Tensegrity
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Tensegrity, tensional integrity or floating compression is a structural principle based on a system of isolated components under compression inside a network of continuous tension, and arranged in such a way that the compressed members do not touch each other while the prestressed tensioned members delineate the system spatially.
The Skylon at the Festival of Britain, 1951
Largest tensegrity bridge in the world, Kurilpa Bridge – Brisbane
NASA's Super Ball Bot is an early prototype to land on another planet without an airbag, and then be mobile to explore. The tensegrity structure provides structural compliance absorbing landing impact forces and motion is applied by changing cable lengths, 2014.
Proto-Tensegrity Prism by Karl Ioganson, 1921