Suspension Systems

in structural mechanics, systems or supporting structures in which the main—usually flexible—members bridging a span are under tension. The special features of suspension systems are relatively low rigidity and the presence of internal or external thrusts, which are taken up by rigid members. Suspension systems may be of the plane type (single-chord or multichord guy trusses) or the space type (membranes and suspended shells). In design layouts suspension systems are regarded as flexible filaments, hinged-rod polygons, or flexible shells.