CABLE ANALYSIS

Second Meeting
ECS 448
DETERMINATE STRUCTURES
Topic 4
Analysis of Cables
ECS 448 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES
Slide 1 of 54
Topic 4 Analysis of Cables
LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of this topic, students should be able to:
1. Find the support reactions of cable structure.
2. Determine the slope at each point of cable structure that
subjected to concentrated loads & distributed load.
3. Determine the tension in each segment of cable structure
that subjected to concentrated loads & distributed load.
Slide 2 of 54
Introduction
A cable is form of structure, which is unable to resist moment
It is a slender flexible member with zero or negligible flexural

stiffness.
Since cables are perfectly flexible, they establish a state of

equilibrium with a given loading by taking on a shape that allows
load to be carried with the cable stressed in pure tension.
Cables do not have a predefined geometry, as do beam and truss

structures. Their geometry is determined by the arrangement of
loads they carry.
Slide 3 of 54
Internal Forces in Cables

Cable transmits vertical loads by undergoing sags and only

capable of developing tensile forces.
The horizontal component of the tensile force is called thrust.
The bending resistance as well as resistance against compression

is practically negligible since cables are flexible
For simple cables subjected to concentrated loads, the forces can

be determined by static analysis.
Slide 4 of 54
Arch and Cable Differences

A structural parabolic arch, which carries a uniformly distributed

load is subjected to a very small bending moment at any point on
the arch.
The structural arch and column are in compression therefore the

cross-sectional area of the structure is bigger compare to the
structure in tension.
Girder
Column
ARCH BRIDGE
Slide 5 of 54
Structural Arch
Arch and Cable Differences

The cable system can reduce the cross-sectional area of the structure
because those members in compression for arch bridge become
tension in the suspended bridge.
Cable
Hanger
Girder
SUSPENDED BRIDGE
Slide 6 of 54
Types of Cables
Type of cables can be identified base on their support position

and loading type.
Two categories cable which normally being used are symmetrical

and unsymmetrical cable.
Symmetrical cable is when support on a same level while

unsymmetrical cable when support at different level.
Both type of cables are subjected to either a point load, uniformly

distribution load or combination of load.
Slide 7 of 54
Types of Cables
Figures below show a common types of cables that normally being used
W kN/m
P1
P3
P2
Symmetrical Cable with UDL
Symmetrical Cable with point loads
P1
W kN/m
P3
P2
Unsymmetrical Cable with point loads

Unsymmetrical Cable with UDL

Slide 8 of 54
Scope of Analysis
Cable is considered perfectly flexible in bending
(bending moment at any section is zero)
Cable can only transmit load to the supports by means
of tension acting along its length.
Maximum tension occurs at maximum reaction point
(support)
Minimum tension occurs at the lowest point of cable.
Slide 9 of 54
Symmetrical Cables
with Point Load
Slide 10 of 54
Example 1
A symmetrical cable below subjected to point load of 6 kN and 18 kN at B and C respectively.
1.
Calculate tension in every segment of the cable.
2.
Determine the Maximum and Minimum tension in the cable.
3.
Calculate the total Length of the cable.
4m
B
C
6 kN
6m
6m
Slide 11 of 54
18 kN
3m
Example 1
Step 1.
Remove both support at A and B. Assume the segment of cable connected to that support is in tension.
Calculate the value of tension using equilibrium equation.
TAB
TCD
MA + = 0
6(6) + 18(12) = TCD Sin53.10(15)
TCD = 21 kN #
4m
1
FX+ = 0
TCD Cos 3 TAB Cos 1 = 0
TAB Cos 1 = TCD Cos 3 ----- (1)
6 kN
FY+ = 0
18 kN
6m
6m
TAB Sin 1 + TCD Sin 3 6 18 = 0
3m
TAB Sin 1 = 24 kN TCD Sin 3 ----- (2)
Slide 12 of 54
Example 1
Step 2.
Dismember the cable and using method of section to calculate the tension force for every segment.
Consider Member ABC
Substitute TCD = 21 kN into Eqn. (1)

TAB Cos 1 = TCD Cos 3
TAB
TAB Cos 1 = 12.6 kN ----- (3)
3.429m

TAB Sin 1 = 24 kN TCD Sin 3
B
TAB Sin 1 = 7.2 kN ----- (4)
0.57m
Since Tan = Sin Cos then let Eqn. (4) Eqn. (3)
Tan 1 = 0.571
1 = 29.7450
TBC
6 kN
6m
6m
h = (6) Tan 29.7450 = 3.429 m
FY+ = 0
TAB = 14.512 kN
TAB Sin 1 6 TBC Sin 5.440 = 0

TBC = 12.657 kN #
Slide 13 of 54
Example 1
Step 3.
Maximum tension occurs when is the highest value.
TMax = TCD = 21 kN #
Step 4.
Minimum tension occurs when is the smallest value.
TMin = TBC = 12.657 kN
Step 5.
Total Length of the cable
S = 6 2 + 3.432 + 6 2 + 0.57 2 + 32 + 42
S = 17. 938 m
Slide 14 of 54
Example 2
Calculate the force P needed to hold the cable in the position shown so that segment CD
remains horizontal and the height of YD.
8m
B
YD
D
C
10 kN
P
6m
9m
15 kN
15 m
Slide 15 of 54
10 m
Example 2
Step 1.
ME + = 0
TAB
8m
10(34) + P(25) + 15(10) = TABSin1 (40)
TDE
YD
2
FX+ = 0
TDE Cos 3 TAB Cos 1 = = 0
10 kN
9m
0.6TAB = TDE Cos 3 ----- (2)
15 kN
6m
32TAB = 25P + 490 kN ----- (1)
15 m
10 m
FY+ = 0
TAB Sin 1 + TDE Sin 3 10 P 12 = 0
0.8TAB + TDE Sin 3 = P + 25 kN ----- (3)
Slide 16 of 54
Example 2
Step 2.
Consider Member ABCD
Substitute Eqn. (4) into Eqn. (1)
TAB
8m
32(1.25P + 12.5 kN) = 25P + 490 kN
P = 6 kN
B
2
TCD
TAB = 20 kN #
From Eqn. (2)
10 kN
0.6TAB = TDE Cos 3

P
TDE Cos 3 = 12 kN ----- (5)

From Eqn. (3)
6m
9m
15 m
0.8TAB + TDE Sin 3 = P + 25 kN

TDE Sin 3 = 15 kN ----- (6)
FY+ = 0
TAB Sin 1 10 P = 0
Tan 3 = 1.25
TAB = 1.25P + 12.5 kN ----- (4)
3 = 51.340
YD = (10) Tan 51.340 = 12.5m

Slide 17 of 54
Symmetrical Cables
with UDL
Slide 18 of 54
General equation
A symmetrical cable shows below is subjected to a uniformly distributed load of W
kN/m.
A
W kN/m
Slide 19 of 54
General equation
Remove both support at A and B. Assume the segment of cable connected to that
support is in tension. Calculate the value of tension using equilibrium equations.
MA + = 0
2
VA
VB
A
W(L )/2 VB(L)=0

VB = WL/2 #
B
HB
HA
FY+ = 0
VA + VD = W (L)
VA = WL/2 #
W kN/m
FX+ = 0
HB - H A = 0
HA = HB
Slide 20 of 54
General equation
The horizontal support reactions (HA and HB) can
be calculate by splitting the cable into two and
take either LHS or RHS of the cable.
VA
General equation to calculate a vertical distance,

y at any given point in the cable
VA
MD + = 0
HA
HA
y
D
W kN/m
VA(x) HA(y) - W(x /2) =0
HC
HD
VD
W (L)
W (L2 )
W(x 2 )
(x)
( y)
=0
2
8( h )
2
W kN/m
y=
L/2
4(h )( x )( L x )
L2
x
MC + = 0
VA(L/2) HA(h) - W(L/2)(L/4) =0
2
FX+ = 0
HC - H A = 0
HA = WL /8h #
2
HB = HA = WL /8h #
HC = WL /8h #
Slide 21 of 54
General equation
Maximum tension occurs at support.
TMax =
V 2 + H2
Minimum tension occurs at lowers point of cable.
TMin = HC
Cable Length
Where
8h 2
S= L+
3L
S = Length of Cable
L = Horizontal distance from support to support
h = Vertical distance from support to the lowest point of cable
Slide 22 of 54
Example 3
A symmetrical cable shows below is subjected to a uniformly distributed load of 20 kN/m.
1.
2.
3.
Compute the cable size if allowable stress, is 660 kN/m .
18 m
20 kN/m
90 m
Slide 23 of 54
Example 3
Step 1.
MA + = 0
VA
VB
A
VB = 900 kN #
B
HB
HA
(20)(90)(45) = VB(90)
18 m
FY+ = 0
VA + VB (20)(90) = 0
VA = 900 kN #
FX+ = 0
20 kN/m
HB - H A = 0
HA = HB
90 m
Slide 24 of 54
Example 3
Step 2.
At the lowest point of the cable, vertical forces is zero. Split the cable at that point and consider either
member AC or member BC.
Consider Member AC
VA
A
MC + = 0
HA
VA(45) 20(45)(22.5) HA(18) =0
18 m
20 kN/m
900(45) 20(45)(22.5) HA(18) =0
HC
HA = 1125 kN #
HB = 1125 kN #
FX+ = 0
H C HA = 0
HC = 1125 kN #
45 m
Slide 25 of 54
Example 3
Step 3.
Step 5.
Maximum tension occurs at the highest point of

cable (near or at support).
8h 2
8 (18 2 )
S= L+
= 90 +
3L
3 ( 90 )
S = 99 . 6 m #
TMax = VA + HA = 900 2 + 1125 2

TMax = 1440 .704 kN
Step 4.
Step 5.
Minimum tension occurs at the lowest point of

cable.
Calculate the cable size,
TMin = HC = 1125 kN
given stress, = 660 kN/m
F
=
A
d=
where
d 2
A=
4
F 4
1440.704 4
x =
x

660
d = 1.667 m #
Slide 26 of 54
Unsymmetrical Cables
with Point Load
Slide 27 of 54
Example 4
A symmetrical cable below subjected to point load of 9 kN and 20 kN at B and C respectively.
1.
Calculate tension in every segment of the cable.
2.
3.
A
2m
D
h
B
4m
C
9 kN
4m
5m
20 kN
3m
Slide 28 of 54
Example 4
Step 1.
MA + = 0
TAB
9(4) + 20(9) = TCD Sin3(12) + TCD Cos3(2)

TCD
2m
1
3
4m
TCD = 20 kN #
FX+ = 0
TCD Cos 3 TAB Cos 1 = 0
TAB Cos 1 = TCD Cos 3 ----- (1)
9 kN
4m
5m
FY+ = 0
20 kN
3m
TAB Sin 1 + TCD Sin 3 9 20 = 0

TAB Sin 1 = 29 kN TCD Sin 3 ----- (2)
Slide 29 of 54
Example 4
Step 2.
Consider Member ABC

TAB Cos 1 = TCD Cos 3
TAB Cos 1 = 12 kN ----- (3)
TAB
4.333 m
TAB Sin 1 = 29 kN TCD Sin 3

TAB Sin 1 = 13 kN ----- (4)
B
1.667m
Tan 1 = 1.0833
1 = 47.2910
TBC
9 kN
4m
5m
h = (4) Tan 29.7450 = 4.333 m

FY+ = 0
TAB = 17.692 kN
TAB Sin 1 9 TBC Sin 18.440 = 0

TBC = 12.646 kN #
Slide 30 of 54
Example 4
Step 3.
Maximum tension occurs when is the highest value.
TMax = TCD = 20 kN #
Step 4.
Minimum tension occurs when is the smallest value.
TMin = TBC = 12.646 kN
Step 5.
S = 4 2 + 4.3332 + 5 2 + 1.667 2 + 32 + 4 2
S = 16.165 m
Slide 31 of 54
Unsymmetrical Cables
with UDL
Slide 32 of 54
General equation
An unsymmetrical cable shows below is subjected to a uniformly distributed load of
W kN/m.
A
d2
d1
W kN/m
L2
L1
L
Slide 33 of 54
General equation
Remove both support at A and B. Assume the segment of cable connected to that
support is in tension. Calculate the value of tension using equilibrium equations.
VA
A
FY+ = 0
VB
HA
B
d2
HB
VA + VB = W (L)
VA + VB = WL
d1
FX+ = 0
W kN/m
HB - H A = 0
HA = HB
L2
L1
L
Slide 34 of 54
General equation
At the lowest point of the cable, vertical forces is zero. Split the cable at that point and consider member
AC and member BC.
Consider Member BC
Consider Member AC
VB
VA
A
HA
d2
W kN/m
MB + = 0
L
W ( L 2 ) 2 = H C ( d 2 )
2
L
W ( L1 ) 1 = H C (d1 )
d1
2
HC
WL 2 2
H C =
2d 2
WL12
H C =
2
d
1
VA - W(L2) = 0
HB
W kN/m
L1
HC - H A = 0
FY+ = 0
HC
FX+ = 0
L2
VA = WL2
MA+ = 0
WL 2 2
H A =
2d 2
FX+ = 0
FY+ = 0
HB - H C = 0
VB - W(L1) = 0
WL12
H B =
2d1
VB = WL1
Slide 35 of 54
General equation
Since HB = HA
WL1
2d
1
WL 2
=
2d
2

L1
d
1
L2
=
d
2
L1 d1
=
L2 d 2
Maximum tension occurs at support.
TMax =
V 2 + H2
Minimum tension occurs at lowers point of cable.
TMin = HC
Where
Cable Length
2
S = L1 + L 2
2 d1
2d2
+
+
3L 1
3L 2
S = Length of Cable
L1 & L2 = Horizontal distance from support to the lowest point of cable
d1 & d2 = Vertical distance from support to the lowest point of cable
Slide 36 of 54
Example 5
An unsymmetrical cable shows below is subjected to a uniformly distributed load of 10 kN/m.
1.
2.
9m
4m
10 kN/m
L2
L1
50 m
Slide 37 of 54
Example 5
Step 1.
Calculate L1 and L2 where L2 = 50 L1
HA
L1
=
L2
VA
VB
9m
HB
d1

d2
MA + = 0
4
L1 = (50 L1 )
9
L1 = 20m
L 2 = 30m
(10)(50)(25) = VB(50) + HB (5)

4m
10 kN/m
VB + HB = 12500 kN ----- (1)

FY+ = 0
VA + VB (10)(50) = 0
VA + VB = 500 kN ----- (2)
L2
L1
50 m
FX+ = 0
HB - H A = 0
HA = HB ----- (3)
Slide 38 of 54
Example 5
Step 2.
At the lowest point of the cable, vertical forces is
zero. Split the cable at that point and consider
either member AC or member BC
Consider Member AC
Maximum tension occurs at the highest

point of cable (near or at support).
2
TMax =
VA
MA + = 0
10(30)(15) HC(9) =0
HA
HC = 500 kN #
9m
FX+ = 0
H C HA = 0
10 kN/m
Step 3.
HC
30 m
HA = 500 kN #
HB = 500 kN #
TMax = 583.095kN
Step 4.
Minimum tension occurs at the lowest
point of cable.
TMin = HC = 500 kN
Step 5.
FY+ = 0
VA (10)(30) = 0
VA + HA = 300 2 + 500 2
VA = 300 kN #
VB = 200 kN #
Slide 39 of 54
2d
2d
S = L1 + L 2 + 1 + 2 = 52.333m#
3L1
3L 2
Support Condition on
Cables
Slide 40 of 54
Pinned (Pulley) Support

TB = TB = T
RBY
RBX
T B
TB
T B
TB
FY+ = 0
FX+ = 0
RBY - TBCos - TBCos = 0
- RBX - TBSin + TBSin = 0
RBY = TBCos + TBCos
RBX = TB Sin - TBSin
Since TB = TB = T
Since TB = TB = T
RBX = T(Sin - Sin )
RBY = T(Cos + Cos)
Slide 41 of 54
Roller Support
TB TB
RBY
T B
TB
T B
TB
FY+ = 0
FX+ = 0
RBY - TBCos - TBCos = 0
- TBSin + TBSin = 0
RBY = TBCos + TBCos
TB Sin = TBSin
Slide 42 of 54
Support Conditions on Cable

Summary on support conditions
A
D
VAB
VCD
HAB
HCD
5m
h
B
C
6 kN
RAY
4m
6m
18 kN
2m
RDY
RDX
TAB
TAB
HAB = TAB Sin
HCD = TCD Sin
VAB = TAB Cos
VCD = TCD Cos
Slide 43 of 54
TCD
TCD
Example 6
An unsymmetrical cable shows below is subjected to a uniformly distributed load of 10 kN/m.
1.
2.
3.
Calculate the value of tension in anchor cable.
4.
Calculate the vertical and horizontal reactions at support (pressure on tower)

A
30
B
45
9m
4m
10 kN/m
50m
Slide 44 of 54
Example 6
Step 1.
Calculate L1 and L2 where L2 = 50 L1
HA
VA
VB
9m
HB
L1
=
L2
d1

d2
4
L1 = (50 L1 )
9
L1 = 20m
L 2 = 30m
MA + = 0
4m
(10)(50)(25) = VB(50) + HB (5)

VB + HB = 12500 kN ----- (1)
10 kN/m
C
FY+ = 0
VA + VB (10)(50) = 0
L2
L1
50 m
VA + VB = 500 kN ----- (2)

FX+ = 0
HB - H A = 0
HA = HB ----- (3)
Slide 45 of 54
Example 6
Step 2.
Step 3.
At the lowest point of the cable, vertical forces is

zero. Split the cable at that point and consider
either member AC or member BC
Maximum tension occurs at the highest point of

cable (near or at support).
TMax =
Consider Member AC
MA + = 0
VA
10(30)(15) HC(9) =0
A
VA + HA = 300 2 + 500 2
TMax = 583.095kN
HC = 500 kN #
Step 4.
HA
FX+ = 0
9m
10 kN/m
Minimum tension occurs at the lowest point of

cable.
H C HA = 0
HA = 500 kN #
HB = 500 kN #
HC
Step 5.
FY+ = 0
30 m
TMin = HC = 500 kN #
VA (10)(30) = 0
VA = 300 kN #
VB = 200 kN #
Slide 46 of 54

2
2d
2d
S = L1 + L 2 + 1 + 2 = 52.333m#
3L1
3L 2
Example 6
Step 6.
Calculate the tension force in anchor cable.
At Support A (Roller) {TA TA}
At Support B (Pinned) {TB = TB = T}
RAY
RBY
RBX
HA
300
HB
450
TA
VA
TA
TB
VB
TB
FX+ = 0
FY+ = 0
FX+ = 0
FY+ = 0
TA Cos 300 + HA = 0
RAY TA Sin 300 VA= 0
RBX + TB Cos 450 HB = 0
RBY TB Sin 450 VB= 0
TA = 577.35 kN #
RAY = 588.675 kN #
RBX = 119.211 kN #
RBY = 580.789 kN #
Slide 47 of 54
Review
Problem
Slide 48 of 54
Problem 1
The cable system ABCD in Figure P1
is supporting the two point loads as
shown. Determine the tension in each
cable segment and the distance yD.
Figure P1
Slide 49 of 54
Problem 2
The cable system ABCD in Figure P2
is supporting the two point loads as
shown.
2.5 m
1. Determine the distance XB the

force at point B acts from A. Set
P = 200N
4.0 m
2. Determine the magnitude of the

horizontal force P so that XB =
3m.
1.0 m
1.5 m
150 N
Figure P2
Slide 50 of 54
Problem 3
The cable system shown in Figure P3 is loaded with point loads of 15 kN, P kN and
10 kN at point B, C and D respectively. Calculate the required force needed to hold
the cable in the position shown, thus segment BC remains horizontal. Determine
also the value of tension for each segment of the cable.
YD
4m
B
D
C
10 kN
P
15 kN
5m
7.5 m
4.5 m
3m
Figure P3
Slide 51 of 54
Problem 4
The cable system ACDEB in Figure P4 is supporting the three point loads as
shown. Given P2 = 5 kN and YC = 2m, determine the magnitude of P1 and sag
YE.
2m
YC
5m
YE
E
P2
P2
D
2m
8 m P1
6m
3m
Figure P4
Slide 52 of 54
Problem 5
Figure P5 shows a cable pinned at A and E and supported by a rigid rod BF. This
cable is subjected to two concentrated loads of 20 kN at C and 35 kN at D. The
vertical distances of AB, BE and DE are 8 m, 3 m and 2 m respectively.
a. Calculate all the cable forces
b. Determine the vertical distance, BC as shown in the figure
B
BC
8m
3m
2m
C
D
F
8m
20 kN
8m
35 kN
8m
8m
Figure P5
Slide 53 of 54
References
Hibbeler R.C, (2012), Structural Analysis, 8th Edition in S.I. Units, Pearson,
Singapore
Singapore
Singapore
UiTM Structural Division (2003), Basic Structural Analysis, Cerdik Publications Sdn.
Bhd.
UiTM Structural Division (2003), Basic Structural Mechanics, Cerdik Publications
Sdn. Bhd.
Mc Cormac N., (1999), Structural Analysis, 2nd Edition, John Wiley and Sons
Slide 54 of 54

CABLE ANALYSIS

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CABLE ANALYSIS

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Second Meeting

Topic 4 Analysis of Cables

ECS 448 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES

Topic 4 Analysis of Cables

A cable is form of structure, which is unable to resist moment

It is a slender flexible member with zero or negligible flexural

Since cables are perfectly flexible, they establish a state of

Cables do not have a predefined geometry, as do beam and truss

ECS 448 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES

Topic 4 Analysis of Cables

Internal Forces in Cables

Cable transmits vertical loads by undergoing sags and only

The horizontal component of the tensile force is called thrust.

The bending resistance as well as resistance against compression

For simple cables subjected to concentrated loads, the forces can

ECS 448 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES

Topic 4 Analysis of Cables

Arch and Cable Differences

A structural parabolic arch, which carries a uniformly distributed

The structural arch and column are in compression therefore the

ECS 448 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES

Topic 4 Analysis of Cables

Arch and Cable Differences

ECS 448 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES

Topic 4 Analysis of Cables

Type of cables can be identified base on their support position

Two categories cable which normally being used are symmetrical

Symmetrical cable is when support on a same level while

Both type of cables are subjected to either a point load, uniformly

ECS 448 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES

Topic 4 Analysis of Cables

Symmetrical Cable with UDL

Symmetrical Cable with point loads

Unsymmetrical Cable with point loads

Unsymmetrical Cable with UDL

Topic 4 Analysis of Cables

ECS 448 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES

Topic 4 Analysis of Cables

ECS 448 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES

Topic 4 Analysis of Cables

Calculate tension in every segment of the cable.

Determine the Maximum and Minimum tension in the cable.

Calculate the total Length of the cable.

ECS 448 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES

Topic 4 Analysis of Cables

TCD Cos 3 TAB Cos 1 = 0

TAB Cos 1 = TCD Cos 3 ----- (1)

TAB Sin 1 + TCD Sin 3 6 18 = 0

TAB Sin 1 = 24 kN TCD Sin 3 ----- (2)

ECS 448 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES

Topic 4 Analysis of Cables

Substitute TCD = 21 kN into Eqn. (1)

TAB Cos 1 = 12.6 kN ----- (3)

Substitute TCD = 21 kN into Eqn. (2)

TAB Sin 1 = 7.2 kN ----- (4)

h = (6) Tan 29.7450 = 3.429 m

TAB Sin 1 6 TBC Sin 5.440 = 0

ECS 448 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES

Topic 4 Analysis of Cables

ECS 448 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES

Topic 4 Analysis of Cables

ECS 448 - DETERMINATE STRUCTURES