Parabolic Cables and Distributed Loads
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ScribdTranslationsParabolic Cables and Distributed Loads
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ScribdTranslationsCables with distributed loads
When a cable supports
distributed loads, these are
they can be considered as
concentrated loads
close enough,
in such a way that the cable
will acquire a curved shape
polygonal with infinity
number of sides.
Let's assume initially
that the load is
uniformly distributed to Figure 1-43
along the horizontal, such
it is the case of a bridge
pendant, [Fig. 1-43].
The load is uniform along the
horizontal. To determine the shape that
get the cable with this type of charging
take a portion of cable from its highest point
I went down to a point with coordinates (x,y), [Fig.
The tension at this point T will be
tangent to the curve.
Figure 1-44
Taking moments regarding the
what is the equation of a parabola, with origin
point (x,y) has to be , at the lowest point of the cable. With the
then Equation [1-21] allows us to determine the value.
deT0, knowing the position of a point of
cable. To determine the tension in any
point, considering the triangle of forces
the portion of the cable needs to be:
[1-21]
[1-22]
From equation [1-22], it is deduced that the maximum tension will be at the highest point.
of the cable and that the minimum tension will be at the lowest point and is T0The lengths
from the lowest point of the cable to a point with coordinates (x,y) is
This series converges for values of y/x < 0.5. Generally, y/x is much less than
0.5 in such a way that a good approximation is obtained with the first two.
terms of the series.
Parabolic cables
It can be assumed that the cables of the suspension bridges are loaded with this
It is shaped since the weight of the cable is small compared to the weight.
The load per unit length (measured horizontally) is represented by w.
and is expressed in N/m or in lb/ft. Selecting coordinate axes with their origin at the
the lowest point C of the cable, it is found that the magnitude W of the total load
supported by the segment that extends from C to point D of
x y coordinates; and it is governed by W=wx.
In this way, the relationships that define the magnitude and direction of the force in
D, become:
T = [(T0)² + w²x²]¹/² tan Ø = wx/t0
Parabolic cable
When a thread is subjected to a uniform load per unit of horizontal projection,
this thread takes the shape of a parabola if its own weight is disregarded compared to that of the
load that must be supported. This case arises, in practice, in the calculation of bridges
hanging, in which the weight of the board is much greater than that of the cable that supports it.
The deck, or base of the suspension bridge, can be represented by a vertical load, p.
(N/m), uniformly distributed along the horizontal projection of the cable. The
The load transmission from the panel to the cable is carried out through vertical cables.
called struts, also of negligible weight compared to that of the board.
When the cable is subjected to a load that is constantly parallel to a fixed direction,
the equilibrium curve of the cable will be a flat curve (see entry equilibrium of a cable).
On the other hand, this load only has a vertical component, so the equations
scalars obtained for the equilibrium of a cable will be, in this case:
Where the resulting force acting on an element has been taken into account
the cable differential is according to the horizontal.
From the first equation, we obtain that the horizontal component of the tension, Nx, in each
the cable section is constant and its value will be equal to that of the tension at the lowest point of
the curve,N0:
This value can be introduced into the first member of the second equation by multiplying and
dividing, inside the parentheses, by dx:
The integration of this last equation leads to:
whereC1(y, therefore, k1) is a constant and has been defined, similarly to the case of the
obtaining the equation for the catenary, a parameter of the parabola that has units
in length:
Finally, by integrating the last obtained equation, we arrive at the equation of the curve
equilibrium, which we can see corresponds to the equation of a
parable
If you work with a reference axis system where the slope of the parabola at the origin
If sea null, the equation of the equilibrium curve will be as follows: