CABLES & ARCHES

PROBLEM EXERCISES
Problem 1: The cable segments support the
loading shown. Determine the distance yc from
the force at C to point D. Set P = 20 KN.
1m 4m 2.5 m

A D
1.5 m
B
yc

30 KN
C

P
Problem 2: Determine the tension in each
segment of the cable and the cable’s total
length.
A

2.0m
3.5m
D

250 N
C
2.0m 2.5m 1.5m

500 N
Problem 3: The cable supports the uniform load
of wo = 12KN/m. Determine the tension in the
cable at each support A and B.

B
A

3m
2m

5m
Problem 4 : The cable AB is subjected to a uniform loading of
200N/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
60O

30O x
200N/m

15 m
Problem 5: Determine the maximum and minimum tension in
the parabolic cable and the force in each of the hangers. The
girder is subjected to the uniform load and is pin connected at B.

9m
1m
D

10m

2KN/m
A
C
B
10 m 30 m
Problem 4: The three hinged open spandrel arch bridge shown has a
parabolic shape and supports the uniform load wo. Show that the parabolic
arch is subjected only to axial compression at an intermediate point such as
point D. Illustrate the result by placing D at X = L/2 and x = L/4. Assume the
load is uniformly transmitted to the arch ribs.

y
wo

x
C y
D
h
A x
B
L L
Problem 5: The bridge is constructed as a three hinged arch.
Determine the horizontal and the vertical components of
reaction at the hinges (pins) at A, B, and C. The dashed member
DE is intended to carry no force.

300 KN 100 KN 100 KN 200 KN 200 KN

3m
D E

B
30 m
h3
h2
h1
A C
10m 10m 10m 10m 10m 10m 10m 10m
Problem 6: Determine the design heights h1, h2 and h3 of
the bottom cord of the truss, so the three-hinged trussed
arch responds as a funicular arch.

300 KN 100 KN 100 KN 200 KN 200 KN

3m
D E

B
30 m
h3
h2
h1
A C
10m 10m 10m 10m 10m 10m 10m 10m
Problem 7: 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.
10 KN
15 KN

B
2m
A
2m

2m 2m 1m
0.5m