68

Chapter 2
2.24 Two cables are tied together at C and loaded as
shown. Assuming that the maximum permissible tension
in CA and CB is 3 kN (the safe capacity of the cable), determine the maximum W that can be safely supported.
Force

Fx

CA

5
CA
13
4
+ CB
5
0

CB
W

Fy

12
CA
13
3
+ CB
5
-W
+

5
4
CA + CB = 0
13
5
4
52
13
* CB =
CB
CA =
5
5
25

[Fx = 0] -

(1)

CA = 2.08 CB
This relationship is crucial, because it tells us that for the
given arrangement of cables, CA will carry more than
twice the load in CB for equilibrium to exist. Because the
maximum cable tension is restricted to 3 kN, this value
should be assigned to the larger of the two cable tensions.
CA = 3 kN
CB =

CA
3 kN
=
= 1.44 kN
2.08
2.08

Note: If the 3 kN value were assigned to CB, then CA would be

6.24 kN, which obviously exceeds the allowable cable capacity.
This problem is completed by writing the second equation
of equilibrium.
[Fy = 0] +

12
3
CA + CB - W = 0
13
5

(2)

Substituting the values for CA and CB into equation (2),

12
3
13 kN2 + 11.44 kN2 = W
13
5
W = 2.77 kN + 0.86 kN = 3.63 kN
+

Graphical Solution (Scale: 1 mm = 50 N):

Using the tip-to-tail method, a force triangle is constructed
such that W, CA, and CB form a closed triangle. The tip of
the last force must end on the tail of the first force for
Rx = Fx = 0 and Ry = Fy = 0
Weight W is known to be a vertical force that closes at the
origin O. The only thing known about CB and CA is their
lines of action. Visually, however, it is apparent that CA
must be the 3 kN tension force so that CB does not exceed
the allowable tension. If CB were drawn as 3 kN, CA
would end up being much larger.