CE 213

MECHANICS OF SOLIDS II

CABLE SUPPORTED
STRUCTURES
CABLE SUPPORTED STRUCTURES

Suspension Bridges
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

CABLES

Permanent Structure

Main load carrying elements of suspension

bridges, cable car systems
Guys of radio towers
Electric transmission lines

Temporary Structure

 Guys during erection processes

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

Shape of the Cable

Under uniform self weight – Catenary Shape
If Sag/Span ratio is small, it is reasonable to assume
parabolic shape.
If self-weight of the cable is negligible compared to
concentrated loads supported, series of straight lines
may be assumed.

Cable behaviour
 Under load cable can only take tension and can not
take any bending.

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II
General Cable Theorem
𝑽𝑽𝒃𝒃
Cable Chord H
Consider the general case of a cable
b supported at two points a and b,
𝒙𝒙 𝐭𝐭𝐭𝐭𝐭𝐭 𝜸𝜸 𝒚𝒚𝒎𝒎 𝑳𝑳 𝐭𝐭𝐭𝐭𝐭𝐭 𝜸𝜸 which are not necessarily at the
𝑽𝑽𝒂𝒂
same elevation, and acted upon by
m
𝜸𝜸 𝒙𝒙 𝐭𝐭𝐭𝐭𝐭𝐭 𝜸𝜸 − 𝒚𝒚𝒎𝒎 any system of vertical loads P1,
P2………., Pn as shown.
a 𝐩𝐩𝒏𝒏
𝐩𝐩𝟏𝟏 𝐩𝐩𝟐𝟐 𝒙𝒙 𝐩𝐩𝟑𝟑 The cable is assumed to be perfectly flexible, so
that the resisting moment at any point on the
𝐩𝐩𝟏𝟏 𝐩𝐩𝟐𝟐 𝐩𝐩𝟑𝟑 𝐩𝐩𝒏𝒏 cable must be zero. And the stress condition in
a b the cable can only be an axial tension. Since all
the loads are vertical, the horizontal
components of cable tension, which will be
denoted by H, has the same value at any point
L on the cable and the horizontal reactions are
T= Cable Tension
H= Horizontal component of T constant at equal to H.
all points (Since all applied loads are
vertical)

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II
𝑽𝑽𝒃𝒃
Cable Chord H
b
𝒙𝒙 𝐭𝐭𝐭𝐭𝐭𝐭 𝜸𝜸 𝒚𝒚𝒎𝒎 𝑳𝑳 𝐭𝐭𝐭𝐭𝐭𝐭 𝜸𝜸
𝑽𝑽𝒂𝒂
m
𝜸𝜸 𝒙𝒙 𝐭𝐭𝐭𝐭𝐭𝐭 𝜸𝜸 − 𝒚𝒚𝒎𝒎
H
a
𝐩𝐩𝟏𝟏 𝐩𝐩𝟐𝟐 𝒙𝒙 𝐩𝐩𝟑𝟑 𝐩𝐩𝒏𝒏
𝐩𝐩𝟏𝟏 𝐩𝐩𝟐𝟐 𝐩𝐩𝟑𝟑 𝐩𝐩𝒏𝒏
a b

∑Mb = sum of moments about b of all loads P1, P2……….,

∑Mm = sum of moments about any point m on cable of those of loads P1, P2………., Pn that act on
cable to left of m

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

Taking moment about b of all the forces acting on the cable gives
+H(L tan γ) +RayL - ∑Mb = 0
∑ 𝑀𝑀𝑏𝑏
from which Ray = − 𝐻𝐻 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝛾𝛾 (a)
𝐿𝐿
Taking moment about m of those acting forces on that portion of the cable to
the left of m gives
+H(x tan γ-ym) +Rayx - ∑Mm = 0
Substituting Ray from Eq. (a) and simplifying gives
∑ 𝑀𝑀𝑏𝑏
Hym = x − ∑ 𝑀𝑀𝑚𝑚 (b)
𝐿𝐿
Reaction at “a” of the simply
supported beam
Horizontal component of the cable tension times the sag at any point =
bending moment at the corresponding point of a simply supported beam of
same span and subjected to the same loads
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

Example
𝑽𝑽𝒃𝒃
𝑽𝑽𝒂𝒂

H
a 𝒚𝒚𝒆𝒆
H Find 𝒚𝒚𝒄𝒄 and 𝒚𝒚𝒆𝒆 and
𝒚𝒚𝒄𝒄 b
c
𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏′ cable tension at
d
e various locations.
𝟏𝟏𝒌𝒌 𝟎𝟎. 𝟓𝟓𝒌𝒌
𝟐𝟐𝒌𝒌

𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏′ 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏′ 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐′ 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐′

𝟏𝟏𝒌𝒌 𝟐𝟐𝒌𝒌 𝟎𝟎. 𝟓𝟓𝒌𝒌

𝟐𝟐. 𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑𝒌𝒌 𝟏𝟏. 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏𝒌𝒌

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II
SOLUTION
At d, y= 10’
From G.C.T.
H. yd = Bending Moment at d of the
corresponding simply supported beam
or H × 10 = 2.33 × 20 – 1 × 10
H = 3.66k
H is same at all points on cable
At c
H.yc = 2.33 × 10
23.3
yc = = 6.36′
3.66
At e
H.ye = 1.17 × 20
1.17 × 20
ye = = 6.39′
3.66
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 𝑽𝑽𝒃𝒃
𝑽𝑽𝒂𝒂

H
H
a 𝒚𝒚𝒆𝒆 b
𝒚𝒚𝒄𝒄 = 𝟔𝟔. 𝟑𝟑𝟑𝟑 𝒚𝒚𝒆𝒆 =6.39
𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏′
𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏′ -𝒚𝒚𝒄𝒄 c e 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏′ -𝒚𝒚𝒆𝒆
d

𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏′ 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏′ 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐′ 𝟐𝟐𝟐𝟐′

 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

Cable tension
102 +6.362
Tac = 3.66 × = 4.34𝑘𝑘
10
(10−6.36)2 +102
Tcd = 3.66 × = 3.89𝑘𝑘
10
(10−6.39)2 +202
Tde = 3.66 × = 3.72𝑘𝑘
20
6.392 +202
Teb = 3.66 × = 3.84𝑘𝑘
20

Note that maxm tension occurs where cable

slope is maxm

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

VB H = 2000k
yF B
VA 100’
yE
H yC yD F
A E
C D Given max. sag=50′
50K 200K 300K Find cable length and
100K
C D E F B max. tension
A Max. Sag= 50′
Occurs at point of max. Bending
moment in simple beam.
5@200’
RA= 250k R = 400 k
100000 k-ft B
80000 k-ft 80000 k-ft
50000 k-ft
BMD

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

From G.C.T
𝐻𝐻. 50 = 100,000
𝐻𝐻 = 2000𝐾𝐾
50000
𝑦𝑦𝑐𝑐 = = 25′
2000

80000
𝑦𝑦𝑑𝑑 = = 40′
2000

𝑦𝑦𝑒𝑒 = 50′

𝑦𝑦𝑓𝑓 = 40′
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

yF B 𝑑𝑑𝑓𝑓3
𝑑𝑑𝑓𝑓𝑓
yE F
𝑑𝑑𝑐𝑐𝑐 yC yD 𝑑𝑑𝑓𝑓2
𝑑𝑑𝑐𝑐 A E
C D
𝑑𝑑𝑐𝑐

𝑦𝑦𝑐𝑐 = 25′ 𝑦𝑦𝑓𝑓 = 40′

𝑑𝑑𝑐𝑐𝑐 = 100/1000*200=20’ 𝑑𝑑𝑓𝑓𝑓 = 100/1000*800=80’
𝑑𝑑𝑐𝑐 = 𝑦𝑦𝑐𝑐 − 20’ = 25′ −20’=5’ 𝑑𝑑𝑓𝑓𝑓 = 𝑑𝑑𝑓𝑓𝑓 − 𝑦𝑦𝑓𝑓 = 80′ −40’=40’
𝐿𝐿𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = 52 + 2002 𝑑𝑑𝑓𝑓3 = 100′ − 𝑑𝑑𝑓𝑓𝑓 = 100′ −40’=60’
𝐿𝐿𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹 = 602 + 2002

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

Cable Length

= 52 + 2002 + 52 + 2002 + 102 + 2002

+ 302 + 2002 + 602 + 2002
= 1011.42 𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓

Cable slope is steepest in segment fb

𝑇𝑇𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖 𝑇𝑇𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚

602 + 2002
𝑇𝑇𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 2000 × = 2088𝑘𝑘
200

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

6 6 VE
×8 × 15 E
24
0.75’ 24 H
VA
A 3.75’ 6’ H= ?
2’
H 2.25’ T (in each segment) = ?
B D VA =? VE =?
C
3K 5K dc =? dd=?
5K yc =? yd =?
3’ 5’ 7’ 9’
24’

A B 3K C 5K D 5K
E
47.67 k-ft
RA 23.5 k-ft C 46.50 k-ft RE
D
B
BMD
A E
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

From G.C.T.,
H.yb = Mb
or, H(2.25’+0.75’) = 23.5 k-’
23.5
∴ H= = 7.83 k
3
Again,
H.yc = Mc
Mc
or, yc =
H
47.67
∴ yc = = 6.09’
7.83
Again,
H.yd = Md
M
or, yd = d
H
46.50
∴ yd = = 5.94’
7.83
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II
E
Y+ Now, dc = yc – 2’
or, dc = 6.09’ – 2’
∴ dc = 4.09’
A db dC dd X+ And, dd = yd – 3.75’
B D or, dd = 5.94’ – 3.75’
C ∴ dd = 2.19’
3K 5K
5K
VA 7.83 𝑘𝑘 𝑉𝑉𝐴𝐴 𝑇𝑇𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴
= =
H 3′ 2.25′ 2.252 + 32
=7.83 k
𝑉𝑉𝐴𝐴 = 5.87 𝑘𝑘
2.25’ 3.75’ 𝑇𝑇𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 = 9.79 𝑘𝑘
3’ TAB

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

VE
7.83 𝑘𝑘 𝑉𝑉𝐸𝐸 𝑇𝑇𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷
= =
9′ 8.19′ 92 + 8.192
H=7.83 k
12.17’ 8.19’ 𝑉𝑉𝐸𝐸 = 7.13 𝑘𝑘
9’ 𝑇𝑇𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 = 10.6 𝑘𝑘
TDE

VCD TCD
7.25’ 7.83 𝑇𝑇𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶
1.9’ =
7’
7′ 72 + 1.92
H=7.83 k
𝑇𝑇𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 = 8.12 𝑘𝑘

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

TBC VBC
7.83 𝑇𝑇𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵
1.84’
5.23’ =
5′ 52 + 1.842
5’

H 𝑇𝑇𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 = 8.34 𝑘𝑘
=7.83 k

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

Cable Under Uniformly Distributed Load

Suspension Bridges- Load is uniformly distributed

per unit length (horizontal length)

Self weight- treated approximately on the

assumption of uniformly distributed load per unit
length (horizontal length)

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

Cable shape – Uniform load

𝑦𝑦 𝐿𝐿/2 𝐿𝐿/2 𝑽𝑽𝒃𝒃

H
b
𝑽𝑽𝒂𝒂
𝑤𝑤 (𝑙𝑙𝑙𝑙/𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓)
𝒙𝒙𝒙𝒙𝒙𝒙𝒙𝒙 𝜸𝜸
𝒉𝒉
𝜸𝜸 𝒚𝒚𝒎𝒎
H 𝒚𝒚 𝑥𝑥
a

𝒙𝒙 𝑦𝑦 = +𝑥𝑥 tan 𝛾𝛾 − 𝑦𝑦𝑚𝑚 (negative taken when 𝒎𝒎 is below 𝒙𝒙 axis)

a 𝑤𝑤 #/𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 m
b

L
𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤
2 2

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

 𝑦𝑦 𝐿𝐿/2 𝐿𝐿/2 𝑽𝑽𝒃𝒃
H
b
𝒙𝒙𝒙𝒙𝒙𝒙𝒙𝒙 𝜸𝜸
𝑽𝑽𝒂𝒂 𝒚𝒚𝒎𝒎

𝒚𝒚
𝜸𝜸
H 𝑥𝑥
a

𝒙𝒙
𝑦𝑦 = +𝑥𝑥 tan 𝛾𝛾 − 𝑦𝑦𝑚𝑚 (when 𝒎𝒎 is above 𝒙𝒙 axis)
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II
Applying G.C.T at point m
𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 𝑤𝑤𝑥𝑥 2
𝐻𝐻. 𝑦𝑦𝑚𝑚 = − (1)
2 2
At mid-span 𝑦𝑦𝑚𝑚 = ℎ is ‘cable sag’ measured vertically at mid-span.
At mid-span, from G.C.T.
𝑤𝑤𝐿𝐿2
𝐻𝐻𝐻 =
8
𝑤𝑤𝐿𝐿2
𝐻𝐻 =
8ℎ
Substitute this value of H into 𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑛𝑛 1
𝑤𝑤𝐿𝐿2 𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 𝑤𝑤𝑥𝑥 2 𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤
. 𝑦𝑦𝑚𝑚 = − = 𝐿𝐿 − 𝑥𝑥
8ℎ 2 2 2
4ℎ𝑥𝑥
𝑦𝑦𝑚𝑚 = 2 (𝐿𝐿 − 𝑥𝑥) (𝑎𝑎)
𝐿𝐿

Defines shape of the cable w.r.t. cable chord

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

In the above cable, taking 𝑥𝑥, 𝑦𝑦 axes as shown

𝑦𝑦 = +𝑥𝑥 tan 𝛾𝛾 − 𝑦𝑦𝑚𝑚 (negative when 𝒎𝒎 is below 𝒙𝒙 axis)
Substituting for 𝑦𝑦𝑚𝑚
4ℎ𝑥𝑥 𝐿𝐿 − 𝑥𝑥
𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 tan 𝛾𝛾 −
𝐿𝐿2

4ℎ𝑥𝑥
𝑦𝑦 = 2 𝑥𝑥 − 𝐿𝐿 + 𝑥𝑥 tan 𝛾𝛾 (𝑏𝑏)
𝐿𝐿

Defines shape of cable w.r.t. horizontal

axis with origin at left of cable

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II
y
x
𝛾𝛾 𝑥𝑥 tan 𝛾𝛾
y
y
𝑥𝑥 tan 𝛾𝛾
𝛾𝛾
x
𝒚𝒚𝒎𝒎
𝒚𝒚𝒎𝒎 y

L L
x wo x wo

𝑦𝑦 = −(𝒚𝒚𝒎𝒎 − 𝑥𝑥 tan 𝛾𝛾) 𝑦𝑦 = −(𝑥𝑥 tan 𝛾𝛾 + 𝒚𝒚𝒎𝒎 )

4ℎ𝑥𝑥 4ℎ𝑥𝑥
𝑦𝑦 = 2 𝑥𝑥 − 𝐿𝐿 + 𝑥𝑥 tan 𝛾𝛾 𝑦𝑦 = 2 (𝑥𝑥 − 𝐿𝐿) − 𝑥𝑥 tan 𝛾𝛾
𝐿𝐿 𝐿𝐿
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II
When the cable chord is horizontal
𝒚𝒚
𝒚𝒚𝒄𝒄 𝑽𝑽𝒃𝒃
𝑽𝑽𝒂𝒂
𝒙𝒙
H b H
a
𝒉𝒉 𝒚𝒚
𝒙𝒙
𝒚𝒚𝒄𝒄
C 𝒙𝒙𝒄𝒄 𝒙𝒙𝒄𝒄
𝑳𝑳/𝟐𝟐 𝑳𝑳/𝟐𝟐
4ℎ𝑥𝑥
As 𝛾𝛾 = 0, 𝑦𝑦 = − 𝐿𝐿) (𝑥𝑥
𝐿𝐿2
If the origin is taken at mid-span, where sag is maximum (point C)
𝐿𝐿
𝑥𝑥 = + 𝑥𝑥𝑐𝑐
2
𝑦𝑦 = −ℎ + 𝑦𝑦𝑐𝑐
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II
𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒𝟒 𝒙𝒙 − 𝑳𝑳
Substituting these in 𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑒𝑛𝑛 (𝑏𝑏) 𝒚𝒚 = + 𝒙𝒙 𝒕𝒕𝒕𝒕𝒕𝒕 𝜸𝜸
𝑳𝑳𝟐𝟐
4ℎ 𝐿𝐿 𝐿𝐿
−ℎ + 𝑦𝑦𝑐𝑐 = 2
+ 𝑥𝑥𝑐𝑐 + 𝑥𝑥𝑐𝑐 − 𝐿𝐿 𝛾𝛾 = 0
𝐿𝐿 2 2
𝐿𝐿 4h L
𝑥𝑥 = + 𝑥𝑥𝑐𝑐 ∴ yc =h+ 2 xc +
2
2 L
2
L2 h+4h(xc2 −L )
𝑦𝑦 = −ℎ + 𝑦𝑦𝑐𝑐 = 4
L2
L2 h+4hxc2 −L2 h
=
L2

4hxc 2
∴ yc = 2 (𝑐𝑐)
L
This defines the shape of the cable with horizontal cable chord
w.r.t axes (𝑥𝑥𝑐𝑐 , 𝑦𝑦𝑐𝑐 ) with origin at the lowest point of the cable.

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

Cable Tension- Uniform Load

𝑤𝑤 #/𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓
𝒚𝒚 𝑽𝑽𝒃𝒃
H
𝑽𝑽𝒂𝒂 b
𝒉𝒉
𝒙𝒙
H 𝒅𝒅s
𝒅𝒅𝒅𝒅
a
𝒅𝒅𝒅𝒅
𝒙𝒙
𝑤𝑤𝐿𝐿2
By G.C.T. 𝐻𝐻 = [ ℎ =Cable Sag at mid-point]
8ℎ
Cable tension at distance 𝑥𝑥 from the origin
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑇𝑇𝑥𝑥 = 𝐻𝐻 as slope of cable changes continuously
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

We know that cable shape w.r.t x- axis is given by

4hx
y= x−L +x tan γ
L 2
dy 8hx 4h
= − + tan γ
dx L2 L
Defining “Sag ratio” as
8θx ℎ
= −4θ+ tan γ 𝜃𝜃 = 𝐿𝐿
L

But ds= (dx)2 +(dy)2

dy 2 ds dy 2
= 1+( ) .dx Or = 1+( )
dx dx dx

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 2
𝑇𝑇𝑥𝑥 = 𝐻𝐻 1 +( )
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
1
8𝜃𝜃𝜃𝜃 2 2
= 𝐻𝐻[1 + − 4𝜃𝜃 + tan 𝛾𝛾 ]
𝐿𝐿
1
64𝜃𝜃 2 𝑥𝑥 2 2 2
64𝜃𝜃 2
𝑥𝑥 2
1+ 2
+ 16𝜃𝜃 + tan 𝛾𝛾 −
= 𝐻𝐻 𝐿𝐿 𝐿𝐿
16𝜃𝜃𝜃𝜃
−8𝜃𝜃 tan 𝛾𝛾 + tan 𝛾𝛾
𝐿𝐿
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
Noting that slope is maximum at the end of the cable
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
(𝑥𝑥 = 𝐿𝐿)
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

At 𝑥𝑥 = 0
1
𝑇𝑇𝑎𝑎 = 𝐻𝐻 1 + 16𝜃𝜃 2 + tan2 𝛾𝛾 − 8𝜃𝜃 tan 𝛾𝛾 2

At 𝑥𝑥 = 𝐿𝐿
1
𝑇𝑇𝑏𝑏 = 𝐻𝐻 1 + 16𝜃𝜃 2 + tan2 𝛾𝛾 + 8𝜃𝜃 tan 𝛾𝛾 2

For the case of horizontal cable chord 𝛾𝛾 = 0;

𝑇𝑇𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 is the same at both ends

1
𝑇𝑇𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 𝐻𝐻 1 + 16𝜃𝜃 2 2

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

Cable Length- Uniform Load

If 𝑠𝑠 is the total length of the cable
1
𝐿𝐿 𝐿𝐿/2
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 2
𝑠𝑠 = � 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 2 � 1+ 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
0 0 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
For the special case of a horizontal cable chord and
origin at lowest point ,
𝑽𝑽𝒂𝒂 𝑽𝑽𝒃𝒃
𝒚𝒚
H a b H

c 𝒙𝒙
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II
4ℎ 2
𝑦𝑦 = 2 𝑥𝑥
𝐿𝐿
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 8ℎ𝑥𝑥
= 2
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝐿𝐿
1
𝐿𝐿�
2 64ℎ2 𝑥𝑥 2 2
𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 𝑠𝑠 = 2 � 1+ 𝑑𝑑𝑥𝑥
0 𝐿𝐿4
On Integration
𝐿𝐿 1 𝐿𝐿
𝑠𝑠 = 1 + 16𝜃𝜃 2 2 + ln 4𝜃𝜃 + 1 + 16𝜃𝜃 2 1/2
2 8𝜃𝜃

Cable length : hor. chord

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

Cable Length- Inclined Cable Chord

For an inclined cable chord; the integration becomes cumbersome. An
approximate treatment is as follows:
Assume that inclined cable has the same length as that of a horizontal
cable with span equal to the length of the inclined chord

ℎ cos 𝛾𝛾

𝛾𝛾 Sag = ℎ cos 𝛾𝛾
Sag = ℎ
ℎ ℎ cos 𝛾𝛾 𝐿𝐿 sec 𝛾𝛾
𝐿𝐿

Same length
assumed
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

ℎ ℎ cos 𝛾𝛾 𝜃𝜃
𝜃𝜃 = 𝜃𝜃 ′ = =
𝐿𝐿 𝐿𝐿 sec 𝛾𝛾 𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 2 𝛾𝛾
This value of 𝜃𝜃 ′ (sag ratio) may be used for obtaining cable length
in inclined chord position:
𝜃𝜃 𝜃𝜃 ′ 𝐿𝐿 𝐿𝐿 sec 𝛾𝛾
𝐿𝐿 sec 𝛾𝛾 2 1/2 𝐿𝐿 sec 𝛾𝛾 ′ + 1 + 16𝜃𝜃 ′2
1/2
𝑆𝑆 = 1 + 16𝜃𝜃 ′ + ln 4𝜃𝜃
2 8𝜃𝜃 ′

2 1/2 3 𝛾𝛾 4𝜃𝜃 2 1/2

𝐿𝐿 sec 𝛾𝛾 16𝜃𝜃 𝐿𝐿sec 16𝜃𝜃
𝑆𝑆 = 1+ + ln + 1+
2 sec 4 𝛾𝛾 8𝜃𝜃 2
sec 𝛾𝛾 sec 4 𝛾𝛾

Cable length: Inclined Chord

(Approx. Formula)
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II
Cable Stretch- Uniform Load
Stretch- Change in Cable length
For concentrated loads alone, cable segments are straight. 𝑇𝑇 is constant
in each segment. Total stretch is calculated as the summation of
stretches of component straight segments.

𝜎𝜎 𝑇𝑇�
𝑺𝑺𝟒𝟒 𝑻𝑻𝟒𝟒
𝐸𝐸 = = 𝐴𝐴
𝑺𝑺𝟑𝟑 𝜀𝜀 ∆𝐿𝐿�
𝑺𝑺𝟐𝟐 𝑻𝑻𝟑𝟑
𝐿𝐿
𝑺𝑺𝟏𝟏 𝑇𝑇𝑇𝑇
𝑻𝑻𝟏𝟏 𝑻𝑻𝟐𝟐 ∆𝐿𝐿 =
𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴
T1S1 T2S2
Stretch=∆S= + +⋯
A1 E A2 E
TS
=∑
AE
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

6 6 VE
×8 × 15 E
24
0.75’ 24 H
VA Area of Cable = 5.0 in2
A 3.75’ 6’
2’ σallowable = 90 ksi
H 2.25’ E = 29000 ksi

B D Stretched length, S=?

C
Elongation in cable length, ΔS=?
3K 5K Unstretched length,
5K So =?
3’ 5’ 7’ 9’
24’

A B 3K C 5K D 5K
E
47.67 k-ft
RA 23.5 k-ft C 46.50 k-ft RE
D
B
BMD
A E
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II
For Parabolic Cable –(Under Uniform Load)
In this case procedure is more involved as 𝑇𝑇 changes
continuously along length of cable.

𝑇𝑇𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑆𝑆
Approx. Stretch ∆𝑆𝑆 = [Assuming 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴constant]
𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴
Where 𝑆𝑆 = total length of the cable(diff. from
original length but assumed o.k.)
and 𝑇𝑇𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = hypothetical average cable tension.

𝑇𝑇𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 is such that if applied through out the length of cable, it

will produce the same cable stretch as actually occurs.

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

𝑇𝑇𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 𝑆𝑆 𝑠𝑠 𝑇𝑇𝑥𝑥 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑

i.e. = ∫0 𝒅𝒅𝒅𝒅
𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴
1 𝑠𝑠
𝑻𝑻𝒙𝒙 𝒅𝒅𝒅𝒅
𝑇𝑇𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = ∫0 𝑇𝑇𝑥𝑥 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 (AE const. assumed)
𝑠𝑠 𝑯𝑯
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝒅𝒅𝒅𝒅
But 𝑇𝑇𝑥𝑥 = 𝐻𝐻
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
2 2 2
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 𝑑𝑑𝑥𝑥 + 𝑑𝑑𝑦𝑦

𝐻𝐻 𝑠𝑠
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 2 𝑑𝑑𝑥𝑥 2 + 𝑑𝑑𝑦𝑦 2
𝑇𝑇𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = � 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 =
𝑆𝑆 0 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
2 𝑑𝑑𝑥𝑥 2 + 𝑑𝑑𝑦𝑦 2
𝐻𝐻 𝐿𝐿 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 = 𝑑𝑑𝑥𝑥
= � 1+ 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝑑𝑑𝑥𝑥 2
𝑆𝑆 0 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 2
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
= 1+ 𝑑𝑑𝑥𝑥
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

4ℎ𝑥𝑥
Again, 𝑦𝑦 = 𝑥𝑥 − 𝐿𝐿 + 𝑥𝑥 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝛾𝛾
𝐿𝐿2
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 8ℎ𝑥𝑥 4ℎ
= 2 − + 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝛾𝛾
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝐿𝐿 𝐿𝐿

𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 8𝜃𝜃𝜃𝜃
= − 4𝜃𝜃 + 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡 𝛾𝛾
𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑 𝐿𝐿

𝐿𝐿 2
𝐻𝐻 8𝜃𝜃𝜃𝜃
𝑇𝑇𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = � 1+ − 4𝜃𝜃 + tan 𝛾𝛾 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑆𝑆 0 𝐿𝐿
64𝜃𝜃 2 𝑥𝑥 2 2 + 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡2 𝛾𝛾 −
64𝜃𝜃 2 𝑥𝑥
𝐿𝐿 1 + + 16𝜃𝜃
𝐻𝐻 𝐿𝐿2 𝐿𝐿
= � 𝑑𝑑𝑑𝑑
𝑆𝑆 0 16𝜃𝜃𝜃𝜃
−8𝜃𝜃 tan 𝛾𝛾 + tan 𝛾𝛾
𝐿𝐿
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

2 𝑥𝑥 3 2 𝑥𝑥 2 𝐿𝐿
64𝜃𝜃 2 2
64𝜃𝜃
𝐻𝐻 𝑥𝑥 + 3𝐿𝐿2 + 16𝜃𝜃 𝑥𝑥 + 𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥𝑥 𝛾𝛾 − 2𝐿𝐿
=
𝑆𝑆 16𝜃𝜃𝑥𝑥 2
−8𝜃𝜃𝜃𝜃 tan 𝛾𝛾 + tan 𝛾𝛾
2𝐿𝐿
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 16 2
𝑇𝑇𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 1 + 𝜃𝜃 + 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡2 𝛾𝛾
𝑆𝑆 3
𝑇𝑇 𝑆𝑆
Cable Stretch ∆𝑆𝑆 = 𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎
𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴

𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 16 2
∆𝑆𝑆 = 1 + 𝜃𝜃 + 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡2 𝛾𝛾
𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 3
Note S is stressed length of cable
Original Length= 𝑆𝑆 − ∆𝑆𝑆
∆𝑆𝑆 is approximate on this count as well
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II
Horizontal Chord
A B
𝜎𝜎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 100 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
10’ E = 20,000 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘

120 #/ft H=? Tmax=? Tmin=?

S=? ΔS=? So=?
80’
𝑤𝑤𝐿𝐿2
SOLUTION: i) 𝐻𝐻. ℎ =
8
ℎ .12 × 802
tan 𝛾𝛾 = = 0; 𝛾𝛾 = 0 ∴ 𝐻𝐻 × 10 =
𝐿𝐿 8
𝑤𝑤 = 0.12 𝑘𝑘/𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 ∴ 𝐻𝐻 = 9.6 𝑘𝑘
(Ans.)
ℎ 10 1
𝜃𝜃 = = =
𝐿𝐿 80 8
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

2
1
ii) 𝑇𝑇𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 𝐻𝐻 1 + 16𝜃𝜃 2 = 9.6 × 1 + 16
8
= 10.73𝑘𝑘
(at max slope, at support) (Ans.)
iii) Tmin at minm slope i.e. mid span V
∑Fn = 0 H
𝑇𝑇𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 = 𝐻𝐻 = 9.6 𝑘𝑘 Tmin
(Ans.)
𝐿𝐿 2
𝐿𝐿
iv) 𝑆𝑆 = 1 + 16𝜃𝜃 + ln 4𝜃𝜃 + 1 + 16𝜃𝜃 2
2 8𝜃𝜃
2 2
80 1 80 1 1
= 1 + 16 + ln 4 × + 1 + 16
2 8 1 8 8
8×
8
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II
= 44.721 + 80 ln 1.618
= 83.218′
(Ans.)
𝑇𝑇 𝑇𝑇𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚𝑚 10.73
v) 𝜎𝜎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 = 𝐴𝐴 = = = 0.1073 𝑖𝑖𝑖𝑖2
𝐴𝐴 𝜎𝜎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎𝑎 100
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 16 2
∆𝑆𝑆 = 1 + 𝜃𝜃 + 𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡𝑡2 𝛾𝛾
𝐴𝐴𝐴𝐴 3
2
9.6 × 80 16 10
= 1+ +0
0.1073 × 20000 3 80
= 0.388′
(Ans.)
vi) 𝑆𝑆𝑜𝑜 = 𝑆𝑆 − ∆𝑆𝑆
= 83.218 − 0.388
= 82.83′ (Ans.)
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II
Homework
1. y+ 20’ Equation of Cable = ?
x+ σallowable = 90 ksi
15’ E = 29000 ksi
H=?
20’ 0.2k/ft
Tmax and its location = ?
y+
80’
Tmin and its location = ?
2.
x+ Acable = ?
S=?
20’ ΔS = ?
10’ So = ?
0.2k/ft 20’

80’
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II
Statically Determinate Suspension Bridge

Assumptions of the elastic theory :

• Hangers are assumed to take equal
tension
• Cable subjected to uniform load per
horizontal foot
• Hinge placed in the stiffening
truss/girder makes the structure
statically determinant
• Cable shape remains parabolic

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering

 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II
Cables

Side Cable 24’

10’

20’

Hangers 40K
Stiffening
Truss/Girder

12 @ 20’ = 240’
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

VL′ VR′
H 24’ H
10’
A 20’

VL B 40K
VR
12 @ 20’ = 240’

∑M @ A = 0 Tmax occurs at ends.

For a horizontal cable chord:
𝑉𝑉𝐿𝐿 + 𝑉𝑉𝐿𝐿′ × 240 − 40 × 60 = 0 1
Tmax = H(1 + 2
16θ )2
𝑉𝑉𝐿𝐿 + 𝑉𝑉𝐿𝐿′ = 10𝐾𝐾 2
1�
2
24
= 50 1 + 16
240
= 53.85𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

VL′ ∑M @ B = 0
H H 𝑉𝑉𝐿𝐿 + 𝑉𝑉𝐿𝐿′ × 120 + 𝐻𝐻 × 30 − 𝐻𝐻 × 54 = 0
10’
10 × 120 − 𝐻𝐻 × 24 = 0
20’
B 𝐻𝐻 = 50𝐾𝐾
VL 120’

Tension in Hangers
Let tension in each hanger = x Applying G.C.T.
𝑤𝑤𝐿𝐿2 𝑥𝑥
∴Equivalent Uniform load on cable 𝐻𝐻 = 𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤𝑤 𝑤𝑤 =
8ℎ 20
𝑋𝑋 𝑥𝑥 240 2
= 𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜, 50 = .
𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻 𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆 20 8 × 24
𝑥𝑥 10
= 𝑘𝑘/𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓 ∴ 𝑥𝑥 = 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘
20 3
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

10 10 10 10 10
3 3 3 3 3
a X
20’
B
VL C

∑M @ B = 0
𝑙𝑙 10 100 + 80 + 60 + 40
𝑉𝑉𝐿𝐿 = ×
120 3 +20
25
= 𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘𝑘 ↓
3
Now truss members forces can be obtained in the usual manner.
Verify That: Fa = 13.33k (+)
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II
Side Span Cable ′
VL Guy force depends
Side Span Cable on the details at this
• Carries no suspension Load point
VL
• Acts as Guy to the tower
Three Possible Alternatives
i) Saddle on Rollers ii) Pulley iii) Pins
H H T Tmax
H H
α
• Tension same in side
• H same in side and
span and end of
center spans 𝐻𝐻
center span. 𝑇𝑇 =
• T Different cos 𝛼𝛼
𝐻𝐻 • H different in 2 sides
• T in side span = • T in side span = Tmax
cos 𝛼𝛼
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

Draw B.M.
Diagram of the
stiffening girder.

VL′ VR′ ∑M @ A = 0
H H 𝑉𝑉𝐿𝐿 + 𝑉𝑉𝐿𝐿′ × 1000
−10 700 + 400 = 0
VR ∴ 𝑉𝑉𝐿𝐿 + 𝑉𝑉𝐿𝐿′ = 11𝑇𝑇
VL 10T 10T A
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

∑M @ B = 0 H
VL′
𝑉𝑉𝐿𝐿 + 𝑉𝑉𝐿𝐿′ × 500 + 𝐻𝐻𝐻𝐻
−𝐻𝐻 𝑦𝑦 + 100 − 10 × 200 = 0 H 100’
𝑜𝑜𝑜𝑜, 11 × 500 − 𝐻𝐻 × 100 − 2000 = 0
y
5500 − 2000
∴ 𝐻𝐻 =
100 VL B
10T
= 35𝑇𝑇 𝑤𝑤𝐿𝐿2
𝐻𝐻 =
8ℎ
35 × 8 × 100
∴ 𝑤𝑤 =
10002
= 0.028𝑇𝑇 /𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓
Hanger Tension = X = 100 × w
= 2.8T
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

∑M @ B = 0
1 2.8 × (400 + 300 + 200
𝑉𝑉𝐿𝐿 = ×
500 +100) − 10 × 200
= 1.6𝑇𝑇 ↓
1 2.8 × (100 + 200 + 300
𝑉𝑉𝑅𝑅 = ×
500 +400) − 10 × 100

= 3.6𝑇𝑇 ↓
Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering
 CE 213
Mechanics of Solids II

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Department of Civil Engineering