Structural Theory 1

Lecture Notes 6
in
STRUCTURAL THEORY 1
CE-03
First semester
2022-2023
BSCE Curriculum 2018-2019

Presented by: NENITA M. ABARADO, C.E.

BOHOL ISLAND STATE UNIVERSITY MAIN CAMPUS
College of Engineering and Architecture

1
Structural Theory 1

Lesson 6
Cables and Arches
Learning Objectives:

At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

1. determine the characteristics, types, and behavior of cable and arch structures;
2. calculate support reactions of the cable and arch forces at specific points along its
length;
3. calculate the sag of a cable and the depth of an arch at a specified point;
4. analyze cable structures and three-hinged as well as trussed arches.

Time Frame: 5 hours

Introduction:

In Engineering, cables are also used to sustain long-range loads such as suspension
bridges and roofs over wide open buildings. In the Force Analysis of such structures, the weight
of the cable itself may be neglected; however as cables are used as radio antennas, electrical
transmission lines and derricks, the weight of the cable may become important and therefore
must be included in the structural analysis.

Likewise, an arch can be defined as a supported and loaded plane-curved bar or rib in
a way that makes it function in direct compression. The arch may be a symmetrical arch or a
non-symmetrical arch. For example, if one end of the arch is lower than the other, the arch is
unsymmetrical.

 Analysis of Cable Structures:

Assumptions of Cables

• The only force in a cable is direct tension since cable is too flexible to carry moment.

• The force in the cable is tangential to the cable profile since only axial tensile forces are
carried by the cable.

• Since it remains constant in any length; as part of the cable profile does not change its
length and shape, it is assumed to be a rigid body during analysis.

• Even when a moving load is acting on the cable, the load is assumed to be uniformly
distributed over the cable (since the cable profile is not assumed to change)

2
Structural Theory 1

This lecture will deal at three cases.

Case 1: A Cable Subjected To Concentrated Loads/
Supporting Gravity (Vertical) Loads

When a series of concentrated loads is applied to

a cable of negligible weight, the cable deflects
through a series of linear segments. (The
resulting shape is referred to as the funicular
polygon)

Fig.1

Consider for example, the cable shown in Figure 2.

A

D

YB Yc
arch C L3

L1 B P
L2
2
P
1
L

Fig. 2B

• At the four nodes, eight force equilibrium equations can be written and need to provide one
more condition to solve the issue - this is done by assuming something about the cable, either
its total length or one of its sags (say yB or yC).

Examples

1. Determine the tensions in the cable and the dimension h.

3
Structural Theory 1

2. Determine the tension in each segment of the cable shown below and the total
length of the cable.

4
Structural Theory 1

Solution:

AB  (7 2  4 2 )  8.062 ft ; BC  ( y 2  5 2 )
cos(1 )  4 /(8.062)  0.4962; sin(1 )  7 /(8.062)  0.8683
cos( 2 )  5 / ( y 2  5 2 ) ; sin( 2 )  y
( y 2  52 )
CD  [(3  y ) 2  3 2 ]; cos( 3 )  3 ; sin( 3 )
[(3  y ) 2  3 2 ]

Sin 𝜃3 (  (3  y ) / [(3  y )  3 ];
2 2
tan( 3 )  (3  y )
3

Considering horizontal and vertical equilibrium at B,

F H  0; F V 0

BA cos( 1 )  BC cos( 2 )  0.0  BC  BA  (0.4962) / cos( 2 );

and BA sin( 1 )  5  BC sin( 2 )  0 ;

 BA  5 /[0.8683  0.4962 tan( 2 )].........................(I )

Considering equilibrium at C,

F H  0, & F V  0;

BC cos( 2 )  CD cos( 3 )  0; CD  BA  (0.4962) /(cos( 3 ));

BC sin( 2 )  CD sin( 3 )  10  0
 BA  10 /(0.4962tan( 2 )  0.4962tan( 3 )).................(II )

Dividing equation (I) by (II),

5
Structural Theory 1

[0.8683  0.4962tan( 2 )] /[0.4962 (tan( 2 )  tan( 3 )]  1 / 2

Substituting for tan( 2 ) and tan( 3 ) in terms of y and solving,

y = 2.6784 ft

BA = 8.2988 kips; BC = 4.6714 kips and CD = 8.815 kips;

Total length of cable = 8.062 + 5.672 + 6.422 = 20.516 ft

Case 2: Cable Subjected To Distributed Load

Cables are used to carry dead weight and live

loads of bridge decks of long span. Using hangers, the
bridge decks are suspended from the cable. The
stiffened deck prevents the supporting cable from
altering its shape for a longer cable length by spreading
the live load passing over it. In such situations, it is
assumed that the cable subjected to distributed load
along the span (horizontal).

Examples
3. A girder which weighs 850 lb/ft is supported by the cable in the figure. Determine
the tension at points A, B and C in the cable.

hangers

6
Structural Theory 1

7
Structural Theory 1

4. Determine the tension of the cable at points A and B.

8
Structural Theory 1

• Length of the cable:

To determine the length of the cable due to uniformly distributed loads along
horizontal direction.

For exact analysis:

S= length of the cable

S= L/8m [4m √1 + (4𝑚)2 + ln (4m+√1 + (4𝑚)2 )]

𝑑
m= ; d= vertical distance from the support to the lowest point of the cable.
2𝐿

L = length of the span.

For approximate analysis:

8
S= L1 [1 + (𝑚2 ) − 32/5(𝑚4 )]
3

Case 3: Cables subjected to a uniformly distributed load along its length

9
Structural Theory 1

When the load on a cable is its own weight assumed uniform over the line length, it
forms a curve called the catenary (Latin word for chain).

Formulas:

𝑐 𝑒𝑥 𝑒𝑥 𝑥
Equation of Catenary: 𝑦= ( − ) = 𝑐 cos ℎ
2 𝑐 𝑐 𝑐

𝑐 𝑒𝑥 𝑒𝑥 𝑥
Length of CP: 𝑦= ( − ) = 𝑐 sin
2 𝑐 𝑐 𝑐

𝑠+𝑦
Horizontal Distance, C to P: 𝑥 = 𝑐 ln 𝑐

Relation among y, s, and c: 𝑦2 = 𝑠2 + 𝑐2

Load on CP: 𝐿𝑜𝑎𝑑 = 𝑤𝑠

Horizontal Tension at C: 𝐻 = 𝑤𝑐

Tension at Any Point P: 𝑇 = 𝑤 √𝑠2 + 𝑐 2 = 𝑤𝑦

For unsymmetrical cable, (points of supports of different elevations):

𝐓𝟏 = 𝑾 𝐲𝟏

𝐓𝟐 = 𝑾 𝐲𝟐

𝐘𝟏 = √𝑺𝟏𝟐 + 𝑪𝟐

𝐘𝟐 = √𝑺𝟐𝟐 + 𝑪𝟐

𝑺𝟏 + 𝒀𝟏
𝐗 𝟏 = 𝑪 𝐥𝐧 [ ]
𝑪

𝑺𝟐 + 𝒀𝟐
𝐗 𝟐 = 𝑪 𝐥𝐧 [ ]
𝑪

Where: T1 = tension at support 1

W = resultant force of the uniformly distributed load w along its length

Y1 = vertical distance from support 1 to the lowest point of the hangers

C = distance from the lowest point of the cable to the lowest point of the hangers

S1 = length of the curve for span L1

X1= length of the span L1, x2 = length of span L2.

10
Structural Theory 1

5. A uniform cable 600m long, weighing 16N per linear meter is suspended at points on
the same level. If the maximum tension in the cable is 8,000N, determine the equation
of the curve in which the cable hangs, the sag, the tension at lowest point and
horizontal distance between supports.

The load in this case is uniform along the cable equal to the weight per unit length.
Thus, the cable forms a catenary. The given values are:

2𝑠 = 600𝑚, 𝑠 = 300𝑚
𝑇 = 𝑊𝑦
𝑦2 = 𝑐2 + 𝑠2
16𝑁
𝑊= , 𝑇 = 8,000𝑁
𝑚

𝑇 8,000
𝑦=𝑊= 16
= 500𝑚

𝑐 2 = 𝑦 2 − 𝑠 2 = (500)2 − (300)2 = 160,000𝑚

𝑐 = 400𝑚

The equation of the cable is that for a catenary

𝑥 𝑥
𝑦 = 𝑐 cos ℎ 𝑦 = 400 cos ℎ
𝑐 400

𝑠𝑎𝑔 = 𝑦 − 𝑐

𝐻 = 𝑤𝑐 𝑠𝑎𝑔 = 500 − 400 = 100𝑚

𝑠+𝑣
𝑥 = 𝑐 ln( )
𝑐

𝐻 = 16(400) = 6,400 𝑁

300 + 500
𝑥 = 400 ln = 400𝑙𝑛2 = 277.26𝑚
400

𝑠𝑝𝑎𝑛 = 2(277.26) = 554.52 𝑚

 Analysis of Three-Hinged Arch

The three-hinged arches are statically determinate and can be analyzed by separating the
two members and applying the equations of equilibrium to each member.

11
Structural Theory 1

 Consider the analysis

of a three-hinged arch such
as the one shown in the
figure. In this case, the third
hinge is located at the crown
and the supports are located
at different elevations.

 In order to
determine the reactions
at the supports, the arch
is disassembled and the
free-body diagram of
each member is
established.
Here there are six
unknowns for which six
equations of equilibrium are available.

 One method of solving this problem is to apply the

moment equilibrium equations about points A and B.
Simultaneous solution will yield the reactions and the support reactions are then
determined from the force equations of equilibrium.

 Once obtained, the internal normal force, shear, and moment loadings
at any point along the arch can be found using the method of sections.

Here, of course, the section should be taken perpendicular to the axis of the arch at the
point considered. For example, the free-body diagram for segment AD.

Three-hinged arches can also take the form of two pin-connected trusses, each of
which would replace the arch ribs AC and CB. The analysis of this form follows the same
procedure outlined above.

The following examples numerically illustrate these concepts.

Examples:

6. The three-hinged open spandrel arch bridge has a parabolic shape as shown below.
If this arch were to support a uniform load and have the dimensions shown, show that
the arch is subjected only to axial compression.at any intermediate point such as
point D. Assume the load is uniformly transmitted to ribs.

12
Structural Theory 1

Observe: The supports are at the same elevation. The free-

body diagrams of the entire arch and segment BC are shown.

Apply the equations of equilibrium.

Entire arch:

Arch segment BC:

A section of the arch is taken through point D.

13
Structural Theory 1

x = 25 ft,

y = -25(25)2/(50)2 = -625 ft.

The slope of the segment at D is

Applying the equations of equilibrium;

7. A three-hinged parabolic arch of uniform cross section has a span of 60 m and a rise
of 10 m. It is subjected to uniformly distributed load of intensity 10 kN/m as shown.
Show that the bending moment is zero at any cross section of the arch.

Taking moment of all the forces about hinge A, yields,

14
Structural Theory 1

Taking moment of forces left of hinge c about c, one gets

Bending moment
The bending moment at any section x from the left end is,

The equation of the three-hinged parabolic arch is,

This shows that a three hinged parabolic arch subjected to uniformly

distributed load is not subjected to bending moment at any cross section. It
supports the load in pure compression.

Plate No. 6- Arches and Cables

Problems

P6-1. A uniform flexible cable 200m long weighs 5000N. The resultant tensions at the ends of
the cable are 8,000N and 8,800N, respectively. What is the difference in elevation of the two

15
Structural Theory 1

ends? How far is the lowest point of the cable below the lower end? What is the horizontal
distance between the ends?

P6-2. Determine the reaction components and maximum tension in the cable and Hc and He
if Hd =8m.

P6-3. The suspension bridge in the figure is constructed using the two stiffening trusses that
are pin connected at their ends C and supported by a pin at A and a rocker at B. Determine
the maximum tension in the cable IH. The cable has a parabolic shape and the bridge is
subjected to the single load 50 kN.

P6-4. Determine the values of tensions at A&B and the value of Hc, He if Hd =12m.

16
Structural Theory 1

P6-5 Calculate the span and sag of a cable 600ft. long weighing 3 lb/ft and supported at
points on the same level with a maximum tension of 1800lb.

P6-6. If a wire weighing 0.10 lb/ft is stretched between points 100ft. apart until the tension
reaches 600lb. What will be the resulting sag?

P6-7. A cable supported at points A&B 210m horizontally apart with B 30m higher than A.
The cable sags so that its lowest point is 10m below A. The uniform load is 400N/m
distributed horizontally. Determine:

a.) tension @ lowest pt. of the cable.

b.) tension @ lowest support

c.) tension @ highest support

d.) length of the cable

P6-8. A cable having a span of 400ft and sag of 50ft carries a uniformly distributed load of
100 lb/ft. Solve the maximum tension and the length of the cable.

P6-9. A uniform flexible cable 200m long weight 5000N. The resultant tensions at the ends of
the cable are 8000N and 8800N. What is the difference in elevation of the two ends? How far

17
Structural Theory 1

is the lowest point of the cable below lower end? What is the horizontal distance between the
ends?

P6-10. If a 42m length of wire was used to span a horizontal distance of 40m. Determine the
approximate sag of the wire, assuming the shape of the wire to be parabolic.

P6-11 Determine the

internal forces at section

P6-12. The three-hinged tied arch is subjected to the loading shown. Determine the force in
members CH and CB. The dashed member GF of the truss is intended to carry no force.

18
Structural Theory 1

P6-13. Determine the internal forces at section

References:

Books:

 Arreola, Matias; STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

 Besavilla; STRUCURAL ANALYSIS, pages 7,8,10
 Chris H. Luebman and Donald Peting; STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
 Hibbeler, R.C.; STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
 Kassimali, Aslam; STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS 2nd ed., pages 171-173
 Singer, Ferdinand; ENGINEERING MECHANICS

Internet:
 http://pages.uoregon.edu/struct/courseware/461/461_example_problems/ex_prob_lec
ture_14/461_example14-1.html
 http://www.mathalino.com/reviewer/engineering-mechanics/problem-332-equilibrium-
parallel-force-system
 www.google.com/statics-trussstructure
 www.wikipedia.com/freebodydiagram

19