CABLE SYSTEMS

LECTURE BY
Ar.Uday Shankar and
Members of TENSILE STRUCTURES
are subjects to pure tension under
the action of external loads.
Because the tensile stress is
uniformly distributed over the
cross-sectional area of members,
the material of such a structure is
utilized in the most efficient
manner.
MAJOR SYSTEM FORM ACTIVE STRUCTURE SYSTEMS.

Non rigid, flexible matter shaped in a certain way and

secured by fixed ends, an support itself & span space.
The transmit loads only through simple normal
stresses; either tension or through compression.
Two cables with different points of suspension tied
together form a suspension system.
A cable subject to external loads will deform in a way
depending upon the magnitude and location of the
external forces. The form acquired by the cable is
called the FUNICULAR SHAPE of the cable.
 Loading Mechanism
Under the action of the load the
cable assumes a symmetrical triangular
shape and half the load is carried to each
support by simple tension along he two
halves of the cable.
CABLE SAG :
The undivided pull of the sagging cable on
each support may be split into two
components :

a downward force equal to half the

load
a horizontal inward pull or thrust.
The thrust is inversely
proportional to the sag; halving the sag
doubles the thrust. This raises an
interesting question of economy through.
GEOMETRIC FUNICULAR FORMS

If the load is shifted from midspan position, the

cable changes shape.

If two equal loads are set on the cable in

symmetrical positions the cable adapts itself
by acquiring a new configuration with three
straight video.

FUNICULAR POLYGONS

As the number of loads increases, the

funicular polygon approaches a geometrical
curve the PARABOLA large number of
loads are evenly spaced horizontally.
DYNAMIC EFFECTS OF WIND ON TYPICAL
FLEXIBLE ROOF STRUCTURE :
A critical problem in the design of any cable roof
structure is the dynamic effect of wind, which causes an
undesirable fluttering of the roof.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES :
There are only several fundamental ways to combat
flutter.
One is to simply increase the deal load on the roof.
Another is to provide anchoring guy cables at
periodic points to tie the structure to the ground.
To use crossed cable on double-cable system.
 LIMITATIONS DUE TO VIBRATIONS &
CHANGING LOADS :
The limitations in the application of cables stem directly from
their adaptability to changing loads : CABLES are unstable and
stability is one of the basic requirements of structural systems.

The trusses hanging from the cables of a suspension bridge not only
support the roadway but also stiffen the cables against motions due
to moving or changing loads.
APPLICATIONS OF CABLE SYSTEMS :
The earliest use of
cables in buildings dates
back to A.D. 70 to roof a
Roman amphitheater by a
rope cable structure. Rope
cables anchored to masts
spanned in a radial fashion
across the open structure
supported a movable
sunshade that could be
drawn across to cover the
arena. The span was 620 ft.
along major axis and 513 ft.
along minor axis.
Today the longest suspension bridge has a span of 1410 m.
(4226 ft.); the longest suspension roof; the Burgo Paper Mill
in Mantcia has a span of 163 m. (535 ft.). The roof was
designed like a suspension bridge. The cable flexibility is not
wholly advantageous as in bridge. Excessive vibrations can
not be tolerated in a building. Water proofing of the roof is
difficult. Most suspension roofs are therefore pre stressed to
reduce their flexibility & some also have concrete roofs.

Design
Antonio
Nervi (designer)
Pier Luigi
Nervi (designer)
Structures using suspended cables have a functional
advantage for arenas, because the shape is better suited to
an array of banked seats than that of a dome. A suspension
roof requires a smaller volume of air than a dome. This can
produce imp. economics in air-conditioning & heating.
Roof over sports arena, Munich by Fvei Offo. Approximate
span of the structure is 130 m. (430 ft.). The tentlike
simplicity of this prestressed cable structure is deceptive.
The roof-over the entire sports arena cost about $48
million. The design required a great deal of theory as well as
model analysis.

Other applications of cable structures can be for

exhibition pavilions, sports complexes, army shelters etc.
 A double layer of cables covered with pre-cast
concrete slabs. These were loaded temporarily with a large
weight of building. Materials to prestress the cables, and the
joints between concerete slabs were then filled with cement
mortar to auction the prestress. Rainwater was pumped off
the roof.
Cables can be used to increase the span of cantilevers
and is particularly useful for aircraft hangars and other
buildings than require large entrances as well as
unobstructed interior span.