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Lesson 3 ECE 2214

Theory of structures

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60 views11 pages

Lesson 3 ECE 2214

Theory of structures

Uploaded by

lensadebra
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Lesson 3
By. Mr. Kimarai Joel
ECE 2214: THEORY OF STRUCTURES II
CHAPTER II:
ANALYSIS OF CABLES AND ARCHES STRUCTURES
B. Cables Subjected to Distributed Loads
Cables subjected to distributed loads can either assume a parabolic or a catenary
shape depending on the form of the distribution that it received.
A parabolic shape would be assumed if the cable supports a linearly distributed load
along its length (dL), while a catenary shape is assumed when the cable supports
ALSO its own weight along its surface (dS).
In each section, an analysis that carries the determination of the tensions on the cable
and the maximum sag on the cables would be adopted to ensure stability in the cable.
For example, Cables provide a very effective means of supporting the dead weight of
girders or bridge decks having very long spans. A suspension bridge is a typical
example, in which the deck is suspended from the cable using a series of close and
equally spaced hangers.
In order to analyze this structure, first determine the shape of the cable subjected to a
uniform horizontally distributed vertical load W0. Here, the X, Y axes have their
origin located at the lowest point on the cable, such that the slope is zero at this point.
Considering the cable structure above subjected to distributed loads along its surface,
its analysis would follow the following approach:
❖ Consider the whole run of the cable section.
❖ Then, subdivide it into half to determine eh tension T0 at the center of the cable
section, which will help to determine the support reactions.
❖ A section of the loaded cable would be used for the analysis. Different
equations of equilibrium would be derived for the solution of the unknowns as
follows;

The free-body diagram of a small segment of the cable having a length ΔS is


considered. Since the tensile force in the cable changes continuously in both
magnitude and direction along the cable’s length, this change is denoted on the free-
body diagram by ΔT. The distributed load is represented by its resultant force W0Δx,
which acts at ΔX/2 from point O.
Applying the equations of equilibrium on the cut section would yield the following
(EQNs. 1-3):

Dividing each of these equations by Δx and taking the limits as Δx → 0, and hence Δy
→ 0, Δ𝜭 → 0, and ΔT → 0; the equations become:-
When the first equation is integrated with T = FH at X=0; then :- ( EQN. 4)

This indicates that the horizontal component of force at any point along the cable
remains constant.
Considering that (sin 𝜭/ cos 𝜭) = tan 𝜭; then…

Then, follow integration with y=0 at x=0, to yield the following equation
respectively:- (EQN. 5); which is the PRINCIPLE EQUATION for cables subjected
to distributed loads.

This is the equation of a parabola and the components of force FH may be obtained by
using the boundary condition y = h at x = L. Hence; (EQN. 6)

Replacing FH in the previous equation with this component will get another
representation of the y value as shown: - (EQN. 7)
Denoting that maximum tension on the cables occurs when 𝜭 is maximum, i.e. at x =
L; (EQN. 8 (a & b)

Hence:

Determining the length of the cable requires the


Where Lx need not be L/2; hence two lengths from the cable cut area will follow the
analysis and added (part 1 + Part 2) = Total length.
Solved Examples
The cable supports a girder that weighs 850 lb/ft. Determine the tension in the cable at
points A, B and C.
Example 2:
A cable subjected to a uniform load of 240 N/m is suspended between two supports at
the same level 20 m apart, as shown below. If the cable has a central sag of 4 m,
determine the horizontal reactions at the supports, the minimum and maximum tension
in the cable, and the total length of the cable.
Determine the total length of the cable structure:
Practice Questions.
For each structure, determine the reactions at supports, tension along the cable
towards each support, and the total length of the cable.
1. The cable supports uniform loads of W0 = 650 lb/ft.

2. Determine the maximum tension in the cable, assuming it has a parabolic shape
and only a single load of 50kN acts on the cable as shown below.

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