Trusses provide support: Cholla cactus

The support structure of Cholla cacti provides stabilization via hollow cylindrical struts joined as trusses.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Maintain physical integrity >
	Manage structural forces >
	Compression

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Bridge designs that minimize material use, pumping systems that double as structural supports.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Some cacti (such as the cholla), though, have supportive columns of branched and rejoining struts--trusses in the form of hollow cylinders with perforated walls." (Vogel 2003:437-438)

About the inspiring organism

Opuntia
Opuntia
[Cholla cactus]

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Bridge designs that minimize material use, pumping systems that double as structural supports.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Architecture, structural engineering

References

Steven Vogel. 2003. Comparative Biomechanics: Life's Physical World. Princeton: Princeton University Press. 580 p.

Trusses provide support: Cholla cactus

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