CABLES

OBJECTIVE
To analyze the forces & study the geometry of cables Uses of cable
supporting loads. in structure

DEFINITIONS & FUNCTIONS

Often used in engineering structures for support & to
transmit loads from one member to one another.
Used to support suspension roofs & bridges, cables
form the main load-carrying element.

Shades
Bridge
2 Cases
ASSUMPTIONS
Cable Subjected To Concentrated Cable Subjected To A Uniform
Loads Distributed Load
When a cable supports
few concentrated loads,
the cable takes the form Cable is perfectly flexible &
of few straight line inextensible.
segments.
Due to its flexibility, cable
Each segment - subjected to a constant tensile
force. x, y axes : origin located at the lowest point on offers no resistance to shear
θ - angle of the chord AB the cable & slope = 0 or bending.
L - cable length Since tensile force in the cable changes The force acting in the cable
for solutions : write 2 equations of equilibrium continously in both magnitude & direction is always tangent to the
at each of 4 points A, B, C & D. along the cable's length, this load is denoted cable at points along its
by ∆T.
length.
 CABLES
Example & Solution

Cable Subjected To Concentrated

Loads

STEPS TO CALCULATE :

Apply equilibrium equation of horizontal force,

vertical force and moment to find reactions at the
supports.
By inspection, there are : We can analyze the equlibrium of points C and B in
4 unknown external reactions (Ax, Ay, Dx and sequence by assuming horizontal and vertical force to
Dy) find angle and tension of BC and BA.
3 unknown cable tensions  Finally, calculate the h after all the angle and tension
These unknowns and sag, h can be determined values have been determined.
from available equilibrium eqn applied to points
A through D. 
A more direct approach to the solution is to
recognize that the slope of cable CD is specified.
 CABLES
Example & Solution

Cable Subjected To A Uniform

Distributed Load

STEPS TO CALCULATE :

Apply equation of equilibrium yields of horizontal force, vertical force and moment equals to 0 to find the
reaction forces on the supports.
The origin of the coordinate axes is established at point B, the lowest point on the cable where slope is
zero.
Calculate y and x value by using a given formula in the notes.
Then, calculate FH and dy/dx value.
Finally, determine angle and tension at point A, B and C.