CEPC0704 - Structural Theory

CABLES AND
ARCHES
Cables
Cables are flexible structures that support the applied transverse loads by the tensile resistance
developed in its members. Cables are used in suspension bridges, tension leg offshore platforms,
transmission lines, and several other engineering applications

Cables Subjected to Cables Subjected to Uniform Loads Over

Concentrated Loads the Horizontal Projected Length of the
Cable
Cables Subjected to Concentrated Loads
When a cable of negligible weight supports several concentrated loads, the cable takes the form of
several straight-line segments, each of which is subjected to a constant tensile force
PROBLEM #1: Cable
Determine the tension in each segment of the cable shown. Also, what is the total length of the
cable?
PROBLEM #1: Concentrated Loads
1 Draw Free-Body Diagram (FBD) 2 Summation Moment @ A

∑MA = 0
-DY(13 m) + 80 kN(10 m) + 100 kN(2 m) = 0
DY = 76.923 kN

3 Summation Forces Vertical

∑FY = 0
AY – 100 kN – 80 kN + 76.923 kN = 0
AY = 103.077 kN
 PROBLEM #1: Concentrated Loads
1 Draw Free-Body Diagram (FBD) 4 Summation Moment @ C

∑MC = 0
= 103.077 kN = 76.923 kN
AY(10 m) - AX (10 m) - 100 kN(8 m) + D(0
m) = 0
= 23.077 kN = 23.077 kN
AX = 23.077 kN
NOTE: The perpendicular distance of reaction D at joint C is zero
because it is collinear with cable CD which is connected at joint C.

5 Summation Horizontal Forces

∑FX = 0
DX + 23.077 kN = 0
DX = 23.077 kN
 PROBLEM #1: Concentrated Loads
1 Draw Free-Body Diagram (FBD) 6 Tension at Cable AB and Cable CD:

A = TAB = (𝐴𝑌)2 +(𝐴𝑋)2

= 103.077 kN = 76.923 kN

A = TAB = (103.077 𝑘𝑁)2 +(23.077 𝑘𝑁)2

= 23.077 kN = 23.077 kN A = TAB = 105.629 kN

D = TCD = (𝐷𝑌)2 +(𝐷𝑋)2

D = TCD = (76.923 𝑘𝑁)2 +(23.077 𝑘𝑁)2

D = TCD = 80.31 kN
PROBLEM #1: Concentrated Loads
8 Draw Free-Body Diagram (FBD) 9 Summation Moment @ B

AY = 103.077 kN ∑MB = 0
AY(2 m) - AX(YB) = 0

A 103.077 kN (2 m) – 23.077 kN(YB) = 0

AX = 23.077 kN
YB = 8.933 m
YB

BX
B
BY

2m
PROBLEM #1: Concentrated Loads
10 Draw Free-Body Diagram (FBD) 11 Summation Forces Horizontal

∑FX = 0
TCD = 80.31 kN
TCD(3/10.440) - TBC(8/8.071) = 0
80.31 kN (3/10.440) - TBC(8/8.071) = 0
10.440 10
TBC 8.071
TBC = 23.282 kN
1.067 3
8
12 Total Length of the Cable
C
L= (8.933)2 +(2)2 + (1.067)2 +(8)2 +

(10)2 +(3)2
80 kN
L = 27.665
PROBLEM #2: Concentrated Loads
Determine the tension in each segment of the cable shown. Also, what is the dimension h and the
total length of the cable?
PROBLEM #2: Concentrated Loads
1 Draw Free-Body Diagram (FBD) 2 Summation Moment @ A

∑MA = 0
= 5.571 kN
3 kN(2 m) + 8 kN(4 m) – D(2/2.5)(5.5 m) –

= 4.072 kN
= 6.786 kN D(1.5/2)(2 m) = 0
D = 6.786 kN = TCD
3 Summation Horizontal and Vertical Forces

∑FX = 0 ∑FY = 0
D(1.5/2.5) – AX = 0 D(2/2.5) + AY – 3
AX = 4.072 kN kN – 8 kN = 0
AY = 5.571 kN
PROBLEM #2: Concentrated Loads
1 Draw Free-Body Diagram (FBD) 4 Tension at Cable AB:

A = TAB = (𝐴𝑌)2 +(𝐴𝑋)2

= 5.571 kN
A = TAB = (5.571 𝑘𝑁)2 +(4.072 𝑘𝑁)2
= 6.786 kN
= 4.072 kN
A = TAB = 6.901 kN

5 Find height (h):

ℎ
A = 6.901 kN = AY
(22 )+(ℎ2 )

ℎ
6.901 kN = 5.571 kN
(22 )+(ℎ2 )

h = 2.736 m
PROBLEM #2: Concentrated Loads
6 Draw Free-Body Diagram (FBD) 4 Tension at Cable BC:

∑FY = 0
= 6.901 kN
TAB(2.736/3.389) - TBC(1.264/2.367) – 3
kN= 0
TBC = 4.815 kN

5 Checking using Summation Horizontal:

∑Fx = 0
TAB(2/3.389) - TBC(2/2.367) = 0
TBC = 4.82 kN
PROBLEM #2: Concentrated Loads
10 Draw Free-Body Diagram (FBD) 12 Total Length of the Cable

L= (2.736)2 +(2)2 + (1.264)2 +(2)2 +

= 5.571 kN
(1.5)2 +(2)2
= 6.786 kN
= 4.072 kN L = 8.255 m
Cables Subjected to Uniform Loads
A cable will maintain a parabolic shape, provided the dead load of the deck for a suspension
PROBLEM #1: Uniform Loads
The cable below supports a girder which weighs 850 lb/ft. Determine the tension in the cable at
points A, B and C. Also, compute for the length of the cable.

100 ft

C
40 ft
20 ft
B

850 lb/ft
 PROBLEM #3: Uniform Loads
1 Draw Free-Body Diagram (FBD) 2 Locate the Lowest Point:

By Squared Property of Parabola:

(100-X, 40)
100 ft
100 − 𝑥 2 𝑥2
A =
(X, 20) 40 20
C x = 41.421 m
40 ft
(0, 0) 20 ft
B 100 - x = 58.579 m

3 Critical Tensile Forces:

Left Support: TA
Right Support: Tc
850 lb/ft
Lowest Point: TB
PROBLEM #3: Uniform Loads
4 Draw Free-Body Diagram (FBD) 5 Find the Tensile Force @ TA:

TA
AY ∑MA = 0
850 lb/ft(58.579 ft)(58.579 ft/2) – TB(40 ft)
58.579 ft
AX =0
A
TB = 36459.679 lb
40 ft
6 Summation Forces Horizontal and Vertical:
B TB
∑FX = 0 ∑FY = 0
TB - AX = 0 AY – 850 lb/ft(58.579
AX = 36459.679 lb ft) = 0

850 lb/ft AY = 49792.15 lb

PROBLEM #3: Uniform Loads
4 Draw Free-Body Diagram (FBD) 5 Find the Tensile Force @ TA:

AY
TA TA = 𝐴𝑌 2 + 𝐴𝑋 2

58.579 ft TA = 49792.15 𝑙𝑏 2 + 36459.679 𝑙𝑏 2

AX
A TA = 61713.584 lb

40 ft 3 Critical Tensile Forces:

B TB
Left Support: TA = 61713.584 lb
Right Support: Tc =
Lowest Point: TB = 36459.679 lb

850 lb/ft
 PROBLEM #3: Uniform Loads
6 Draw Free-Body Diagram (FBD) 7 Find the Tensile Force @ TC:
AY = 49792.15 lb
∑FX = 0
TA
100 ft
= 61713.584 lb
cY
TC - AX + C X = 0
A
AX CX = 36459.679 lb
= 36459.679 lb
C CX ∑FY = 0
B AY – 850 lb/ft(100 ft) + CY = 0
CY = 35207.850 lb

TC = 𝐶𝑌 2 + 𝐶𝑋 2

TC = 35207.850 𝑙𝑏 2 + 36459.679 𝑙𝑏 2
850 lb/ft
TC = 50684.325 lb
 PROBLEM #3: Uniform Loads
6 Draw Free-Body Diagram (FBD) 8 Important Note
AY = 49792.15 lb

cY = 35207.850 lb Maximum Tension occurs at the highest

TA
100 ft
= 61713.584 lb support: Tmax = TA = 61713.584 lb
A TC
AX
= 50684.325 lb Minimum Tension occurs at the lowest
= 36459.679 lb
C
CX point: Tmin = TB = 36459.679 lb
B = 36459.679 lb

9 Solving for the length of the cable:

s = sAB + sBC
𝑥𝑛 2
𝑠𝑛 = 𝑚 1 + 𝑚2 + ln 𝑚 + 1 + 𝑚2
8𝑦𝑛
850 lb/ft
4𝑦𝑛
𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒: 𝑚 =
𝑥𝑛
PROBLEM #3: Uniform Loads
10 Length of the cable AB: 𝑠𝐵𝐶
41.4212
4 40 = ቄ1.931 1 + 1.9312
𝑚= = 2.731 8 20
58.579 + ln 1.931 + 1 + 1.9312 ቅ = 60.172 𝑓𝑡
𝑠𝐴𝐵 sBC = 60.172 ft
100 − 41.421 2
= ቄ2.731 1 + 2.7312
8 40
9 Solving for the length of the cable:
+ ln 2.731 + 1 + 2.7312 ቅ

s = sAB + sBC
sAB = 103.721 ft
s = 103.721 ft + 60.172 ft
11 Length of the cable BC:
s = 163.893 ft
4 20
𝑚= = 1.931
41.421
Seatwork/Activity:
In the figure below, if P = 80 lb, determine the following: Reaction at A, B, Tension and Slope in
segment AC, CD, BD of the cable.
Seatwork/Activity:
As shown in the figure, cable ACB supports a load uniformly distributed along the horizontal. The
lowest point C is located 9 m to the right of point A. Determine the value of the following:
the value of the vertical distance a, the minimum tension, in N, the maximum tension, in N,
tension at B, in N.
Arches
Arches are structures composed of curvilinear members resting on supports. They are used for
large-span structures, such as airplane hangars and long-span bridges. One of the main
distinguishing features of an arch is the development of horizontal thrusts at the supports as well
as the vertical reactions, even in the absence of a horizontal load.
Arches
The internal forces at any section of an arch include axial compression (N) , shearing force (Q), and
bending moment (M).
Arches
The bending moment and shearing force at such section of an arch are comparatively smaller
than those of a beam of the same span due to the presence of the horizontal thrusts. The
horizontal thrusts significantly reduce the moments and shear forces at any section of the arch,
which results in reduced member size and a more economical design compared to other
structures. Additionally, arches are also aesthetically more pleasant than most structures.
PROBLEM #1: Arches
A three-hinged arch is subjected to two concentrated loads as shown in the figure. Determine the
reactions at the supports.
PROBLEM #1: Arches
1 Draw Free-Body Diagram (FBD) 2 Summation Moment @ A:

∑MA = 0
50 kN(5 m) + 35 kN(40 m) -EY(45 m) +
EX(15 m) = 0
-45EY + 15EX + 1650 = 0 EQ#1
PROBLEM #1: Arches
3 Draw Free-Body Diagram (FBD) 4 Summation Moment @ C:

∑MC = 0
35 kN(20 m) – EY (25 m) + EX (30 m) = 0
-25EY + 30EX + 700 = 0 EQ#2

5 Use Equation #1 and Equation #2:

-45EY + 15EX + 1650 = 0 EQ#1

-25EY + 30EX + 700 = 0 EQ#2
EY = 40.000 kN
EX = 10.000 kN
 PROBLEM #1: Arches
6 Draw Free-Body Diagram (FBD) 7 Summation Vertical Forces:

∑FY = 0
AY + 40 kN– 50 kN– 35 kN= 0,
AY = 45.000 kN

8 Summation Horizontal Forces:

= 10.000 kN
∑FX = 0

= 45.000 kN AX – 10 kN= 0,
= 10.000 kN
AX = 10.000 kN (to the right)
= 40.000 kN
PROBLEM #2: Arches
A parabolic arch with supports at the same level is subjected to the combined loading as shown.
Determine the bending moment, axial, and shear force at the vertical point load.
PROBLEM #2: Arches
1 Draw Free-Body Diagram (FBD) 2 Summation Moment @ A:

∑MA = 0
150 kN(8 m) + 4 kN/m(20 m)(20/2 +20) –
BY(40 m) = 0
BY = 90.000 kN

3 Summation Vertical Forces:

∑FY = 0

= 140.000 kN = 90.000 kN
AY + 90 kN – 150 kN – 4 kN/m(20 m) = 0
AY = 140.000 kN
 PROBLEM #2: Arches
4 Draw Free-Body Diagram (FBD) 5 Summation Moment @ C:

∑MC = 0
140 kN(20 m) – AX(12 m) - 150 kN(12 m)= 0
AX = 83.333 kN

6 Summation Horizontal Forces:

Considering Whole Arc:

= 83.333 kN ∑FX = 0
AX – BX = 0
BX = 83.333 kN
= 140.000 kN
PROBLEM #2: Arches
7 Draw Free-Body Diagram (FBD) 8 Find height of Point D:

4𝑥ℎ 4 8 12
𝑦= 𝐿 − 𝑥 = 40 − 8
𝐿2 40 2

y = 7.68 m

9 Slope, m, at any point of the arch:

= 83.333 kN 4ℎ 4 12
𝑚 = 2 𝐿 − 2𝑥 = 40 − 2 8
𝐿 40 2

0.72 = tan 𝜃

𝜽 = 35.75°

= 140.000 kN
NOTE: We can now determine the forces acting where 150 kN is located.
For convenience, we’ll name the location, point D.
PROBLEM #2: Arches
7 Draw Free-Body Diagram (FBD) 10 Summation Moment @ D:
∑MD = 0
MD – AX(7.68 m) + AY(8 m) = 0
MD = 480.003 kN-m

11 Solving for forces along Q:

AX sin 35.75˚ – AY cos 35.75˚ +150 cos 35.75˚ + Q
= 83.333 kN
=0
Q = -56.801 kN
12 Solving for forces along N:

AX cos 35.75˚ + AY sin 35.75˚ –150 sin 35.75˚– N =

= 140.000 kN 0
NOTE: We can now determine the forces acting where 150 kN is located.
For convenience, we’ll name the location, point D. N = 61.786 kN
Seatwork/Activity:
Determine the bending moment at 25 m from support B and axial and shear force at the vertical
point load (D).