Exercise 21

Linear Buckling Analysis – Cable Stayed Mast

Compare the buckling loads of a Cable Stayed Mast for different tensions on the cables

Problem: SAP2000 features

Use Eigenvalue Buckling analyses that use • Buckling Analysis
the stiffness of the structure at the end of
different nonlinear Load Cases to • Static Nonlinear P-Delta Analysis
determine the buckling load factors for a • Linear Analysis using Stiffness at End of
vertical load, taking into account the P- Nonlinear Case
Delta effects produced by different initial • Load Case Tree
tensions on the cables.
• Automatic Frame Mesh
1 kN 2m

CHS D114.3 x 3.6

6m
F 16
Modeling topics
F 16
• Geometric Nonlinearity
• Geometric Stiffness Matrix
F 16 • Tangent Stiffness Matrix
3.464 m
Z 4m • Sequence of Analysis
3.464 m Y 2m
X
 2.5. Linear Buckling Analysis
2.5.2 Initial Conditions – Example 2
Exercise 21

2.0 m
6.0 m

4.0 m
 2.5. Linear Buckling Analysis
2.5.2 Initial Conditions – Example 2
Exercise 21

Edit > Edit Lines > Edit Cable Geometry

 2.5. Linear Buckling Analysis
2.5.2 Initial Conditions – Example 2
Exercise 21

As expected, the buckling load for the cable stayed mast is lower than for the simply supported one.
 2.5. Linear Buckling Analysis
2.5.2 Initial Conditions – Example 2
Exercise 21

Since the flexural buckling of the lower span of the mast has no vertical component in the undeformed shape of the
structure, the cables will only lose tension due to axial shortening of the mast. Considering the equilibrium in the deformed
configuration, the axial compression force at the lower span of the mast will decrease with its deflection. Disregarding, this
large-displacement effect, the buckling load factor will be much lower when the cables’ tensions are increased.
 2.5. Linear Buckling Analysis
2.5.2 Initial Conditions – Example 2
Exercise 21

As expected, the vibration modes for the lower span of the mast are longer when computed by a modal analysis that takes
into account the stiffness at the end of the P-Delta load case TENS. The increase in the mast’s compression force will soften
the mast because of the P-Delta effect.
Advanced Training
2. Geometric Nonlinearity
2.1 P-Delta Effect
2.2 Large Displacements
2.3 Initial P-Delta Analysis
2.4 P-Delta Analysis
2.5 Linear Buckling Analysis
2.6 Nonlinear Buckling Analysis
2.7 Snap-Through Buckling
2.8 Nonlinear Behavior of Cables Stayed Structures
2.9 Quasi-Static Time History Analysis
 2.6. Nonlinear Buckling Analysis
Linear Buckling Analysis predicts the theoretical buckling strength of a structure which is idealized as elastic.
For the undeformed structural configuration, structural eigenvalues are computed from boundary conditions
and a specified set of loads. Linear buckling analysis produces a set of buckling factors. When loading is
multiplied by these factors, the resultant scaled loading conditions represent those which induce buckling.
In a real structure, imperfections and nonlinear behavior keep the system from achieving this theoretical
buckling strength, leading Linear Buckling Analysis to over-predict buckling load. Therefore, to predict the
“real” buckling load, we recommend Nonlinear Buckling Analysis.
During Nonlinear Buckling Analysis, the load is applied incrementally until a small change in load level
causes a large change in displacement. This condition indicates that a structure has become unstable.
Nonlinear buckling analysis is a static method which accounts for material and geometric nonlinearities,
load perturbations, geometric imperfections, and gaps. Either a small destabilizing load or an initial
imperfection is necessary to initiate the solution of a desired buckling mode. Stiffness and response are
evaluated at each load increment. Between each step, stiffness may change due to the following effects:
• P-Delta: effect of large tensile or compressive stresses on transverse bending and shear behavior.
• Large-Displacements: deformed configuration is considered when assembling the equilibrium equations.
• Inelastic behavior: material nonlinearity of layered-shell objects, frame hinges and T/C limits, and non-
linear behavior of link elements.
The results of Nonlinear-static buckling analysis can be indicated by a plot of deformed configuration against
load application.
 Exercise 22
Nonlinear Buckling Analysis – Cable Stayed Mast
Predict the “real” buckling loads of a Cable Stayed Mast for different tensions on the cables

Problem: SAP2000 features

Define an initial geometric imperfection • Static Nonlinear P-Delta plus Large
and incrementally load the Cable Stayed Displacements Analysis
Mast from the previous example until a
small change in load level causes a large • Save Results at Multiple States
change in displacement. This condition • Continue from State at End of Nonlinear
indicates that the mast became unstable. Case
Compare the results obtained for different • Load Case Tree
initial tensions on the cables.
• Cable Elements
1 kN 2m
CHS D114.3 x 3.6 • Target Force
• Modify Undeformed Geometry
6m Modeling topics • Plot functions
F 16 • Geometric Nonlinearity
F 16
• Nonlinear Buckling Analysis
• Sequence of Analysis

3.464 m F 16
Z 4m
3.464 m Y 2m
X
 2.6. Nonlinear Buckling Analysis
2.6.1 Cable Stayed Mast
Model from the end of Exercise 21 Exercise 22

4 Frame Objects
12 Frame Objects
0.045 x 0.3333 = 0.015m
 2.6. Nonlinear Buckling Analysis
2.6.1 Cable Stayed Mast
Define > Load Case Exercise 22

Save Multiple States in order to make a plot of the deformed configuration against load application.
 2.6. Nonlinear Buckling Analysis
2.6.1 Cable Stayed Mast
Display > Show Plot Functions Exercise 22

V_NLB V_TENS_NLB
 2.6. Nonlinear Buckling Analysis
2.6.1 Cable Stayed Mast
Exercise 22

When the cables are tensioned to a load that almost causes buckling of the lower part of the mast, and, after that, a
compression load is applied to the mast, the mast will respond with a very large deflection. When using Large-
Displacements analysis, this large deflection will significantly reduce the cables’ tension. Therefore, the system will remain
stable until the cables get slack.