Tensegrity structures are based on the combination of a few simple design patterns: members loaded in either pure compression or pure tension, which means that the structure will only fail if the cables yield or the rods buckle.Tensegrity structures are based on the combination of a few simple design patterns:

members loaded in either pure compression or pure tension, which means that the structure will only fail if the cables yield or the rods buckle. This enables the material properties and cross-sectional geometry of each member to be optimized to the particular load it carries.preload or tensional prestress allows cables to always be in tension, to maintain structural integrity.mechanical stability, which allows the members to remain in tension/compression as stress on the structure increases. The structure also becomes stiffer as cable tension increases.Because of these patterns, no structural member experiences a bending moment and there are no shear stresses within the system. This can produce exceptionally strong and rigid structures for their mass and for the cross section of the components. The loading of at least some tensegrity structures causes an auxetic response and negative Poisson ratio, e.g. the T3-prism and 6-strut tensegrity icosahedron.