Cables and Arches

! Cable Subjected to Concentrated Loads

! Cable Subjected to Uniform Distributed
Loads
! Arches
! Three-Hinged Arch

1
Cable Subjected to Concentrated Loads
Ay

A Ax
θ θ TCD
D D
yC yC
yD yD
B B
C C
P1 P1
P2 P2
L1 L2 L3 L1 L2 L3
L L

+ Σ MA = 0: y
y
Obtain TCD
TBA
TCD
B
TCB C x
x
+ ΣF = 0: TBC
x
P2 P1
+ ΣFy = 0: 2
Example 5-1

Determine the tension in each segment of the cable shown in the figure below.
Also, what is the dimension h ?

2m
h D
B
C 2m

3 kN
8 kN
2m 2m 1.5 m

3
SOLUTION Ay
Ax A
TCD
2m
h D5 4
B 3
C

3 kN
8 kN
2m 2m 1.5 m

+ ΣMA = 0:

TCD(3/5)(2 m) + TCD(4/5)(5.5 m) - 3kN(2 m) - 8 kN(4 m) = 0

TCD = 6.79 kN

4
 y
Joint C
TCD = 6.79 kN + ΣF = 0: 6.79(3/5) - T cos θ =0
x CB BC
TCB C 5 4
x + ΣFy = 0: 6.79(4/5) - 8 + TCB sin θCB = 0
θBC 3
8 kN θBC = 32.3o TCB = 4.82 kN

y
Joint B
TBA
+ ΣF = 0: - T cos θ + 4.82 cos 32.3o = 0
θBA B 32.3o x BA BA
x
TBC = 4.82 kN + ΣFy = 0: TBA sin θBA - 4.82 sin 32.3o - 3 = 0
3 kN
A θBA = 53.8o TBA = 6.90 kN
D
h B C h = 2 tanθBA = 2 tan53.8o = 2.74 m

3 kN 8 kN 5
Cable Subjected to Distributed Load

Concepts & Conclusion:

T
y
θ
T
W
θ
To x To
W
x=L
T cos θ = To = FH = Constant

T sin θ = W
dy W
= tan θ =
dx To

6
Parabolic Cable: Subjected to Linear Uniform distributed Load
wo = force / horizontal distance T wox
θx
y To
B
dy wx
= tan θ = o
A dx To

wo x
x y=∫ dx
To
L
2
0
x wo x
y= + C1
y wo x 2To
x
2 wo x 2
To =
2y
T
θx at x = L , T = TB = Tmax Tmax woL
To x
2 θΒ
x Tmax = To + ( wo L) 2

To 7
Derivation: ∆x
wo(∆x)
2
y
T + ∆T
wo O θ+ ∆θ
h ∆y
θ ∆s
x T ∆x
x
∆x
L

+ ΣF = 0: -T cosθ + (T + ∆T) cos (θ + ∆θ) = 0

x

+ ΣFy = 0: -Tsinθ + wo(∆x) + (T + ∆T) sin(θ + ∆θ) = 0

+ ΣMO = 0: wo(∆x)(∆x/2) - T cos θ(∆y) - T sinθ(∆x) = 0

8
Dividing each of these equations by ∆x and taking the limit as ∆x 0, and hence
∆y 0, ∆θ 0, and ∆T 0, we obtain
d (T cos θ )
=0 ----------(5-1)
dx
T wox d (T sin θ )
θ = wo ----------(5-2)
dx
To
dy
= tan θ ----------(5-3)
dx

Integrating Eq. 5-1, where T = FH at x = 0, we have:

T cosθ = FH ----------(5-4)

Integrating Eq. 5-2, where T sin θ = 0 at x = 0, gives

T sin θ = wo x ----------(5-5)

Dividing Eq. 5-5 by Eq. 5-4 eliminates T. Then using Eq. 5-3, we can obtain the slope
at any point,
dy wo x
tan θ = = ----------(5-6) 9
dx FH
Performing a second integration with y = 0 at x = 0 yields
wo 2 y
y= x ----------(5-7)
2 FH
wo
This is the equation of a parabola. The constant FH
may be obtained by using the boundary condition y = h
h at x = L. Thus,
wo L2 x
FH = ----------(5-8)
2h
L
Finally, substituting into Eq. 5-7 yeilds
h 2
y= x ----------(5-9)
L2

From Eq. 5-4, the maximum tension in the cable occurs when θ is maximum; i.e., at
x = L. Hence, from Eqs. 5-4 and 5-5,

Tmax = FH 2 + ( wo L) 2 ----------(5-10)
Tmax woL
θΒ
To 10
Example 5-2

The cable shown supports a girder which weighs 12kN/m. Determine the tension
in the cable at points A, B, and C.

30 m

C
12 m
6m
B

11
SOLUTION

TA
30 m
θA
A y TC
θC
C
12 m
6m
B
x
wo = 12 kN/m

30 - L´ L´

x2 x1

12
 y TC
θC dy1 12 x1
C = tan θ =
dx1 To
6m
B 12 x1
To x y1 = ∫ dx1
To
wo = 12 kN/m
2
0
12 x
12 L´ y1 = + C1
1
2To
L´
12 L'2
6=
x1 2To

To = L'2 ----------(1)

Tx1 12x1

θ
To
13
 TA

θA y
A dy2 12 x2
= tan θ =
dx2 To
12 m 0
12 x2 12 x22
y2 = ∫ dx2 = + C2
B To 2To
To x
2
wo = 12 kN/m 12 x2
y2=
2To
12 (30 - L´)
12(30 − L' ) 2
12 =
30 - L´ 2To

x2 (30 − L' ) 2
1= ----------(2)
2To

12 x2 Tx2

θ
To 14
 To = L'2 ----------(1)

(30 − L' ) 2 ----------(2)

1=
2To

From (1) and (2), L´ = 12.43 m, To = 154.5 kN

TB = To = 154.5 kN

TC 12 L´ 12 (30 - L´ ) TA

θC θA
To To
2
TC = To + (12 L' ) 2 2
TA = To + [12(30 − L' )]2
= (154.50) 2 + (12 ×12.43) 2
= (154.50) 2 + [12(30 − 12.43)]2
= 214.8 kN
= 261.4 kN 15
Example 5-3

The suspension bridge in the figure below is constructed using the two stiffening
trusses that are pin connected at their ends C and supported by a pin at A and a
rocker at B. Determine the maximum tension in the cable IH. The cable has a
parabolic shape and the bridge is subjected to the single load of 50 kN.
I H

8m

D E
6m
A B
Pin F G C rocker
50 kN

4 @ 3 m = 12 m 4 @ 3 m = 12 m

16
 SOLUTION
Iy Hy

H To
To
I
8m 8m

To To
D E
6m 6m
Ax Cx Cx
A F G C C B
Ay 50 kN By
12 m Cy Cy
3m 9m

+ ΣMA = 0: + ΣMB = 0:
− 12C y + 8To = 0 − 12C y + 50(9) − 8To = 0

To = 1.5C y ----------(1) To = −1.5C y +56.25 ----------(2)

From (1) and (2), Cy = 18.75 kN, To = 28.125 kN 17

 From (1) and (2), Cy = 18.75 kN, To = 28.12 kN
TI y
θI
Tx
I wox
8m
θ
To = 28.12 kN
x 28.12 kN
wo
dy wx
= tan θ = o
dx 28.12
wox
12 m wo x
y=∫ dx
28.12
x 0
2
wo x
y= + C1
28.12

wo (12) 2
8=
2(28.12)

wo = 3.125 kN/m

18
TI TH

θΙ I H θH

8m 8m
To = 28.12 kN To = 28.12 kN

12wo = 37.5 kN 12wo = 37.5 kN

12 m 12 m

TI = (37.5) 2 + ( 28.12) 2
TI
37.5 kN = 46.88 kN
θI
28.12 kN

Tmax = TI = TH = 46.88 kN

Tmin= To = 28.12 kN
19
 T T T T T T T T = wo × 3 = 3.125 × 3

D E = 9.375 kN
0
Ax
A F G C B
Ay 50 kN By

4 @ 3 m = 12 m 4 @ 3 m = 12 m

+ ΣMA = 0: 9.375(3 + 6 + 9 + 12 + 15 + 18 + 21) − 50(15) + B y ( 24) = 0

By = -1.56 kN,

+ ΣFy = 0: A y +7(9.375) − 50 − 1.56 = 0

Ay = -14.07 kN, 20
Example 5-4

For the structure shown:

(a) Determine the maximum tension of the cable
(b) Draw quantitative shear & bending-moment diagrams of the beam.

E
0.5 m
D 8m

8m 1 kN/m
A C
B Hinge

5m 20 m

21
 SOLUTION Ey

Dy 20 kN
To
0.5 m E
5 kN
To 8m
D
To To
8m 1 kN/m 1 kN/m
Ax
Bx Bx
A B B C
Ay
By Cy
By
5m 20 m

+ ΣMA = 0: + ΣMC = 0:

B y (5) − 5( 2.5) + To (0.5) = 0 B y (20) + 20(10) − To (8) = 0

From (1) and (2), By = 0, To = 25 kN 22

 y Tx dy wx
wox = tan θ = o
dx 25
θ
TE = Tmax wx
To= 25 kN y = ∫ o dx
E 25
θ 0
wo x 2
8m = + C1
2(25)
x
To= 25 kN
wo (20) 2
8=
20wo 2(25)
20 m wo = 1 kN/m

TE = Tmax
20wo = 20 kN
Tmax = TE = ( 25) 2 + ( 20) 2
θ
To= 25 kN Tmax = 32.02 kN

23
T = wo(2.5 m) = (1kN/m)(2.5 m) = 2.5 kN

2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5 2.5

1 kN/m
Ax
C
A B

Ay =1.25 kN Cy = 1.25 kN
5m 20 m

10 @ 2.5 m = 25 m

V (kN)
1.25 1.25 1.25 1.25 1.25

x (m)

-1.25 -1.25 -1.25 -1.25 -1.25

M (kN•m) 0.78 0.78 0.78 0.78 0.78 0.78 0.78 0.78 0.78 0.78
x (m) 24
Example 5-5

The cable AB is subjected to a uniform loading of 200 N/m. If the weight of the
cable is neglected and the slope angles at points A and B are 30o and 60o,
respectively, determine the curve that defines the cable shape and the maximum
tension developed in the cable.

y B
60o

30o
A
x
200 N/m
15 m

25
SOLUTION TB
B 60o
60o

A
30o
TA (0.2 kN)(15 m) = 3 kN

15 m

60o TB 3 TA
= =
30o sin 120 o sin 30 o sin 30 o
TB 3 kN
120o TB = 5.20 kN
30o 30o
30o TA TA = 3 kN
26
 y

T 0.2x
T
θ 3 kN
θ 3 sin 30o = 1.5
30o
TA = 3 kN A
x
30o 3 cos 30o = 2.6
0.2x

x dy 0.2 x + 1.5
= tan θ =
dx 2.6
dy
= 0.0769 x + 0.577
dx

y = ∫ 0.0769 x + 0.577
0
2
0.0769 x
y= + 0.577 x + C1
2
y = 0.0385x2 + 0.577x 27
Example 5-6

The three-hinged open-spandrel arch bridge shown in the figure below has a
parabolic shape and supports the uniform load . Show that the parabolic arch is
subjected only to axial compression at an intermediate point D along its axis.
Assume the load is uniformly transmitted to the arch ribs.
y

7 kN/m

x
B D
− 7.5 2
7.5 m
y= x
A (15) 2 C
15 m 7.5 m 7.5 m

28
SOLUTION
210 kN

B
− 7.5 2
y= x
Ax (15) 2 Cx

Ay 15 m 15 m Cy

Entire arch :

+ ΣMA = 0: C y (30) − 210(15) = 0

Cy = 105 kN

+ ΣFy = 0: Ay − 210 + 105 = 0

Ay = 105 kN
29
 105 kN

Bx B

By
Cx
B
7.5 m 7.5 m 105 kN

Arch segment BC :

+ ΣMB = 0: − 105(7.5) + 105(15) − C x (7.5) = 0

Cx = 105 kN

+ ΣF = 0: Bx = 105 kN
x

+ ΣFy = 0: B y − 105 + 105 = 0

By = 0
30
 52.5 kN

105 kN B
MD
0 D 26.6o
ND
VD 26.6o

3.75 m
Arch segment BD :

A section of the arch taken through point D, x = 7.5 m, y = -7.5(7.52)/(15)2 = -1.875 m,

is shown in the figure. The slope of the segment at D is
dy − 15 θ = 26.6o
tan θ = = 2
x = −0.5 ,
dx (15) x =7.5
+ ΣF = 0: 105 - ND cos 26.6o - VD sin 26.6o = 0
x

+ ΣFy = 0: -52.5 + ND sin 26.6o - VD cos 26.6o = 0

+ ΣMD = 0: MD + 52.5(3.75) - 105(1.875) = 0

ND = 117.40 kN, VD = 0, MD = 0 kN 31
Alternate Method 52.5 kN

105 kN B
MD
0 D 26.6o
ND
VD 26.6o

3.75 m
Arch segment BD :

A section of the arch taken through point D, x = 7.5 m, y = -7.5(7.52)/(15)2 = -1.875 m,

is shown in the figure. The slope of the segment at D is
dy − 15 θ = 26.6o
tan θ = = 2
x x = 7.5 = −0.5 ,
dx (15)

ND
7.5 wo = (7.5)(7)= 52.5 kN
θ
Tmax = TE = (105) 2 + (52.5) 2 No= 25 kN
Notes : Since the arch is a parabola, there are no
Tmax = 117.4 kN shear and bending moment, only ND is present 32
Example 5-7

The three-hinged tied arch is subjected to the loading shown in the figure below.
Determine the force in members CH and CB. The dashed member GF of the truss
is intended to carry no force.

20 kN
15 kN 15 kN
G
H F
1m
C
B D
4m
A E

3m 3m 3m 3m

33
 20 kN
SOLUTION
15 kN 15 kN
G
H F
1m
C
B D
4m E
A
Ax

Ay Ey
3m 3m 3m 3m

+ ΣMA = 0: E y (12) − 15(3) − 20(6) − 15(9) = 0

Ey = 25 kN

+ ΣF = 0: Ax = 0
x

+ ΣFy = 0: Ay − 15 − 20 − 15 + 25 = 0
Ay = 25 kN
34
 20 kN
15 kN
G
H 0
Cx
C
B
5m Cy
A
0 FAE
25 kN
3m 3m

+ ΣMC = 0: FAE (5) − 25(6) + 15(3) = 0

FAE = 21.0 kN

+ ΣF = 0: -Cx + 21= 0
x
Cx = 21.0 kN

+ ΣFy = 0: 25 − 15 − 20 + C y = 0
Cy = 10 kN
35
 20 kN 20 kN
FCH
FHG 18.43o
0 18.43o 21 kN
G C
FCB
FGC 10 kN

Joint G : Joint C :
+ ΣF = 0:
+ ΣF = 0: FHG = 0
x
x
-FCH cos18.43 - FCB cos18.43 - 21= 0

+ ΣFy = 0: FGC − 20 = 0 + ΣFy = 0:

FGC = 20 kN (C) FCH sin18.43 - FCB cos18.43 - 20 + 10 = 0

Thus,

FCH = 4.75 kN (T),

FCB = -26.88 kN (C)
36
Arches
extrados
crown
(or back)
Intrados centerline rise
springline (or soffit)
huanch
abutment

fixed arch two-hinged arch

three-hinged arch
tied arch
37
Three-Hinged Arch
P1
C
P2
D
B
A

P1
C MD N
Cx D
Cy D
C VD
Cy Cx Ax
Ax A P2
Bx Ay
Ay B
By

38
Example 5-8

The tied three-hinged arch is subjected to the loading shown. Determine the
components of reaction at A and C and the tension in the cable.

15 kN B
10 kN
2m
A D

2m 2m
0.5 m 1m

39
SOLUTION
15 kN B
10 kN
2m
A
Ax D
0
Ay C

2m 2m Cy
0.5 m 1m

Entire arch :

+ ΣMA = 0: C y (5.5) − 10( 4.5) − 15(0.5) = 0

Cy = 9.545 kN

+ ΣFy = 0: Ay − 15 − 10 + 9.545 = 0

Ay = 15.46 kN
40
 15 kN B B
Bx Bx
10 kN
2m By By
A
TA TD D

Ay = 15.46 kN C
Cy = 9.545 kN
2m 2m
0.5 m 1m

Member AB :

+ ΣMB = 0: 15( 2) − 15.455(2.5) + TA (2) = 0 TA = 4.319 kN

+ ΣFy = 0: 15.455 − 15 − B y = 0 By = 0.455 kN

+ ΣF = 0: 4.319 − Bx = 0
x Bx = 4.319 kN
Member AB :
+ ΣF = 0: 4.319 − TD = 0
x TD = 4.319 kN 41