C H A P T E R

Cables and Arches 6

Chapter Objectives
●● Study the characteristics, types, and behavior of cable and arch structures.
●● Analyze determinate cable structures and calculate support reactions by two methods, namely by
equations of static equilibrium and by the general cable theorem, as well as determine the cable
forces at specific points along its length.
●● Analyze determinate three-hinged arches and trussed arches.
●● Use the general cable theorem to establish a funicular shape of an arch for which forces are in direct
compression along the arch, resulting in an efficient minimum weight arch design.

6.1
Cables
As we discussed in Section 1.5, cables constructed of high-strength steel
wires are completely flexible and have a tensile strength four or five times
greater than that of structural steel. Because of their great strength-to-weight
ratio, designers use cables to construct long-span structures, including sus-
compression
pension bridges and roofs over large arenas and convention halls. To use cable ring
cable construction effectively, the designer must deal with two problems:
1. Preventing large displacements and oscillations from developing in cables
that carry live loads whose magnitude or direction changes with time.
2. Providing an efficient means of anchoring the large tensile force
carried by cables.
To take advantage of the cable’s high strength while minimizing its
negative features, designers must use greater inventiveness and imagina-
tion than are required in conventional beam and column structures. For ex-
ample, Figure 6.1 shows a schematic drawing of a roof composed of cables tension vertical
connected to a center tension ring and an outer compression ring. The small ring support
center ring, loaded symmetrically by the cable reactions, is stressed primarily Figure 6.1:  Cable-supported roof composed
in direct tension while the outer ring carries mostly axial compression. By of three elements: cables, a center tension
creating a self-balancing system composed of members in direct stress, the ring, and an outer compression ring.
235
236  Chapter 6  ■  Cables and Arches

V1 T1

chord C H
θA θ1
h (sag) θ2
A
B H
θB = 0 T2 w
V2

L
(a) (b)

Figure 6.2: Vertically loaded cables: (a)

cable with an inclined chord—the vertical
distance between the chord and the cable, h,
is called the sag; (b) free body of a cable seg-
ment carrying vertical loads; although the
resultant cable force T varies with the slope
of the cable, ∑Fx = 0 requires that H, the hori-
zontal component of T, is constant from sec-
tion to section.

Photo 6.1:  Terminal building at Dulles air-

port. Roof supported on a net of steel cables
spanning between massive, sloping, rein-
forced concrete pylons.
© Universal History Archive/UIG via Getty Images

designer creates an efficient structural form for gravity loads that requires
only vertical supports around its perimeter. A number of sports arenas, in-
cluding Madison Square Garden in New York City, are roofed with a cable
system of this type.
In a typical cable analysis the designer establishes the position of the end
supports, the magnitude of the applied loads, and the elevation of one other point
on the cable axis (often the sag at midspan; see Figure 6.2a). Based on these pa-
rameters, the designer applies cable theory to compute the end reactions, the force
in the cable at all other points, and the position of other points along the cable axis.

6.2
Characteristics of Cables
Cables, which are made of a group of high-strength wires twisted together to
form a strand, have an ultimate tensile strength of approximately 270 kips/in.2
(1862 MPa). The twisting operation imparts a spiral pattern to the individual
wires.
While the drawing of wires through dies during the manufacturing process
raises the yield point of the steel, it also reduces its ductility. Wires can undergo an
 6.3  ■  Variation of Cable Force  237

Photo 6.2:  Cable-stayed bridge over the

Cooper River in Charelston, South Carolina.
© iStock/Getty Images Plus

ultimate elongation of 7 or 8 percent compared to 30 to 40 percent for structural

steel with a moderate yield point, say, 36 kips/in.2 (248 MPa). Steel cables have a
modulus of elasticity of approximately 26,000 kips/in.2 (179 GPa) compared to a
modulus of 29,000 kips/in.2 (200 GPa) for structural steel bars. The lower modu-
lus of the cable is due to the uncoiling of the wire’s spiral structure under load.
Since a cable carries only direct stress, the resultant axial force T on all
sections must act tangentially to the longitudinal axis of the cable (Figure 6.2b).
Because a cable lacks flexural rigidity, designers must use great care when
designing cable structures to ensure that live loads do not induce either large
deflections or vibrations. In early prototypes, many cable-supported bridges
and roofs developed large wind-induced displacements (flutter) that resulted
in failure of the structure. The complete destruction of the Tacoma Narrows
Bridge on November 7, 1940 by wind-induced oscillations is one of the most
spectacular examples of a structural failure of a large cable-supported struc-
ture. The bridge, which spanned 5939 ft (1810 m) over Puget Sound near
the City of Tacoma, Washington, developed vibrations that reached a maxi-
mum amplitude in the vertical direction of 28 ft (8.53 m) before the floor
system broke up and dropped into the water below. Nowadays, cables are used
extensively in bridge engineering. Applications include stayed cables of ca-
ble-stayed bridges (see Photo 6.2), main cable and suspenders of suspension
bridges (see the opening photograph of Chapter 14).

6.3
Variation of Cable Force
If a cable supports vertical load only, the horizontal component H of the cable
tension T is constant at all sections along the axis of the cable. This conclu-
sion can be demonstrated by applying the equilibrium equation ∑Fx = 0 to a
 238  Chapter 6  ■  Cables and Arches

segment of cable (Figure 6.2b). If the cable tension is expressed in terms of

the horizontal component H and the cable slope θ,

H
​T = _____
​     ​​  (6.1)
cos θ
At a point where the cable is horizontal (e.g., see point B in Figure 6.2a),
θ equals zero. Since cos θ = 1, Equation 6.1 shows that T = H. The maxi-
mum value of T typically occurs at the support where the cable slope is largest.

6.4
Analysis of a Cable Supporting Concentrated
Gravity Loads
When a set of concentrated loads is applied to a cable of negligible weight,
Ay Dy the cable deflects into a series of linear segments (Figure 6.3a). The resulting
shape is called the funicular polygon. Figure 6.3b shows the forces acting at
A D point B on a cable segment of infinitesimal length. Since the segment is in
H H
h2 equilibrium, the vector diagram consisting of the cable forces and the applied
h1
load forms a closed force polygon (Figure 6.3c).
C
B A cable supporting vertical load (e.g., Figure 6.3a) is a determinate
P2
member. Four equilibrium equations are available to compute the four reac-
P1 tion components supplied by the supports. These equations include the three
equations of static equilibrium applied to the free body of the cable and a
(a)
condition equation, ∑Mz = 0. Since the moment at all sections of the cable is
FAB zero, the condition equation can be written at any ­section as long as the cable
sag (the vertical distance between the cable chord and the cable) is known.
Typically, the designer sets the maximum sag to ensure both a required clear-
FBC ance and an economical design.
B To illustrate the computations of the support reactions and the forces at vari-
ous points along the cable axis, we will analyze the cable in Figure 6.4a. The
cable sag at the location of the 12-kip load is set at 6 ft. In this analysis we will as-
sume that the weight of the cable is trivial (compared to the load) and neglect it.
P1
STEP 1 Compute Dy by summing moments about support A.
(b)
⟳+ ∑MA = 0

FAB ​(12 kips)​(30)​+ ​(6 kips)​(70)​− ​Dy​ ​(100)​= 0​

​
P1
​Dy​ ​= 7.8 kips​ (6.2)
​
FBC
STEP 2 Compute Ay.
(c) +
↑ ∑Fy = 0
Figure 6.3:  Vector diagrams: (a) cable with
two vertical loads; (b) forces acting on an ​0 = ​A​ y​− 12 − 6 + 7.8​
infinitesimal segment of cable at B; (c) force
polygon for vectors in (b). ​A​ y​= 10.2 kips​ (6.3)
 6.4  ■  Analysis of a Cable Supporting Concentrated Gravity Loads  239

STEP 3 Compute H; sum moments about B (Figure 6.4b).

⟳+ ∑MB = 0 TA Ay Dy TD
​0 = ​Ay​ ​(30)​− H ​hB​  ​ A D
H H
θA hB = 6ʹ hC
​hB​  ​ H = ​(10.2)​(30)​ (6.4) θC
C
Setting hB = 6 ft yields B
θB
6 kips
​
H = 51 kips​ 12 kips

After H is computed, we can establish the cable sag at C by con- 30ʹ 40ʹ 30ʹ
sidering a free body of the cable just to the right of C (Figure 6.4c).
(a)
STEP 4 Ay = 10.2 kips
⟳+ ∑MC = 0
A
H
− ​Dy​ ​(30)​+ H ​hc​ ​= 0​
​ θA
6ʹ
B
30 ​Dy​ ​ 30​(7.8)​
​​hc​ ​= ____
​      ​ = ______
​     
​ = 4.6 ft​ (6.5) 30ʹ
H 51 TAB

To compute the force in the three cable segments, we establish (b)

θA, θB, and θC and then use Equation 6.1.
Dy = 7.8 kips

Compute TAB. D
H = 51 kips
6
 ​tan ​θ​ A​= __
​    ​  
  and  ​θ​ A​= 11.31°​ hc
C
30
30ʹ
H 51 TCD
​ ​  ​= _____
​TAB ​     ​  = _____
​     ​ 
= 51.98 kips​
cos ​θ​ A​ 0.981 (c)

Compute TBC. 12 kips 6 kips

6 − 4.6 A B C D
​tan ​θ​ B​= _____
​     ​ = 0.035  and  ​θ​ B​= 2°​
40
H 51
​ ​  ​= _____
​TBC ​     ​  = _____
​     ​ 
= 51.03 kips​ 30ʹ 40ʹ 30ʹ
cos ​θ​ B​ 0.999 10.2 kips 7.8 kips

Compute TCD. 306 kip • ft

234 kip • ft
4.6
​tan ​θ​ C​= ___
​   ​ = 0.153  and  ​θ​ C​= 8.7°​
30
H 51
​ ​  ​= _____
​TCD ​     ​  = _____
​     ​ 
= 51.62 kips​ (d)
cos ​θ​ C​ 0.988 Figure 6.4:  (a) Cable loaded with vertical
forces, cable sag at B set at 6 ft; (b) free body
Since the slopes of all cable segments in Figure 6.4a are relatively
of cable to left of B; (c) free body of cable
small, the computations above show that the difference in magnitude be- to right of C; (d) a simply supported beam
tween the horizontal component of cable tension H and the total cable with same loads and span as cable (moment
force T is small. diagram below).
240  Chapter 6  ■  Cables and Arches

6.5
General Cable Theorem
As we carried out the computations for the analysis of the cable in Figure 6.4a,
you may have observed that certain parts are similar to those you would
make in analyzing a simply supported beam with a span equal to that of
the cable and carrying the same loads applied to the cable. For example, in
Figure 6.4c we apply the cable loads to a beam whose span equals that of the
cable. If we sum moments about support A to compute the vertical reaction
Dy at the right support, the moment equation is identical to Equation 6.2
previously written to compute the vertical reaction at the right support of
the cable. In addition, you will notice that the shape of the cable and the
moment curve for the beam in Figure 6.4 are identical. A comparison of the
computations between those for a cable and those for a simply supported
beam that supports the cable loads leads to the following statement of the
general cable theorem:

At any point on a cable supporting vertical loads, the product of the ca-
ble sag h and the horizontal component H of the cable tension equals
the bending moment at the same point in a simply supported beam
that carries the same loads in the same position as those on the cable.
The span of the beam is equal to that of the cable.

The relationship above can be stated by the following equation:

​
​Hh​ z​= ​M​ z​​ (6.6)

where H =  horizontal component of cable tension

hz =  cable sag at point z where Mz is evaluated
Mz =  moment at point z in a simply supported beam carrying the
loads applied to the cable

Since H is constant at all sections, Equation 6.6 shows that the cable sag h is
proportional to the ordinates of the moment curve.
To verify the general cable theorem given by Equation 6.6, we
will show that at an arbitrary point z on the cable axis the product of
the ­horizontal component H of cable thrust and the cable sag hz equals
the moment at the same point in a simply supported beam carrying the
cable loads (Figure 6.5). We will also assume that the end supports of the
cable are located at different elevations. The vertical distance between
the two supports can be expressed in terms of α, the slope of the cable
chord, and the cable span L as

​
y = L tan α​ (6.7)
 6.5  ■  General Cable Theorem  241

By

H
chord B
Ay
hz y = L tan α

A α z P4
H
P3 z = x tan α – hz
P1 P2

x
L

(a)

P1 P2 P3 P4

A B
z

RA RB

x
L

(b)

Figure 6.5

Directly below the cable we show a simply supported beam to which we ap-
ply the cable loads. The distance between loads is the same in both members.
In both the cable and the beam, the arbitrary section at which we will evaluate
the terms in Equation 6.6 is located at distance x to the right of the left sup-
port. We begin by expressing the vertical reaction of the cable at support A in
terms of the vertical loads and H (Figure 6.5a).

⟳+ ∑MB = 0

​
0 = ​Ay​ ​ L − ∑​m​ B​+ H​(L tan α)​​ (6.8)

where ∑mB represents the moment about support B of the vertical loads
(P1 through P4) applied to the cable.
In Equation 6.8 the forces Ay and H are the unknowns. Considering a free
body to the left of point z, we sum moments about point z to produce a second
equation in terms of the unknown reactions Ay and H.

⟳+ ∑Mz = 0
0 = ​A​ y​ x + H​(x tan α − ​hz​ ​)​− ∑ ​mz​ ​​
​ (6.9)
242  Chapter 6  ■  Cables and Arches

where ∑mz represents the moment about z of the loads on a free body of the
cable to the left of point z. Solving Equation 6.8 for Ay gives

∑​m​ B​− H​(L tan α)​
​Ay​ ​= ______________
​ ​      
​​  (6.10)
L

Substituting Ay from Equation 6.10 into Equation 6.9 and simplifying,

we find

x
H​hz​ ​= __
​ ​    ​ ∑​m​ B​− ∑​mz​ ​​ (6.11)
L

We next evaluate Mz, the bending moment in the beam at point z (Figure 6.5b).

​Mz​ ​= ​RA​  ​ x − ∑​mz​ ​​ (6.12)

To evaluate RA in Equation 6.12, we sum moments of the forces about the

roller at B. Since the loads on the beam and the cable are identical, as are the
spans of the two structures, the moment of the applied loads (P1 through P4)
about B also equals ∑mB.

⟳+ ∑MB = 0

​0 = ​RA​  ​ L − ∑​m​ B​

∑​m​ B​
​RA​  ​= ____
​ ​      ​​  (6.13)
L

Substituting RA from Equation 6.13 into Equation 6.12 gives

∑​m​ B​
​Mz​ ​= x ____
​ ​      ​ − ∑​mz​ ​​ (6.14)
L

Since the right sides of Equations 6.11 and 6.14 are identical, we can equate
the left sides, giving Hhz = Mz, and Equation 6.6 is verified. Examples 6.1 and
6.2 further demonstrate the use of the general cable theorem.
 6.5  ■  General Cable Theorem  243

E X A M P L E 6 .1
Determine the reactions at the supports produced by the 120-kip load at
midspan (Figure 6.6) (a) using the equations of static equilibrium and (b) 
using the general cable theorem. Neglect the weight of the cable.

Solution
(a) Since supports are not on the same level, we must write two equilib-
rium equations to solve for the unknown reactions at support C. First
consider Figure 6.6a.

⟳+  ∑MA = 0

0 = 120​(50)​+ 5H − 100 ​Cy​ ​​
​ (1)

Next consider Figure 6.6b. Cy

Ay chord
C
A H
⟳+  ∑MB = 0 H
B h = 8ʹ 5ʹ
​0 = 10.5H − 50 ​Cy​ ​
120 kips
50
H = ____
​ ​    ​  ​Cy​ ​​ (2)
10.5 50ʹ 50ʹ
(a)
Substitute H from Equation 2 into Equation 1.
Cy

0​ = 6000 + 5​(____
​    ​  ​Cy​ ​)​− 100 ​Cy​ ​
50
H
10.5 10.5ʹ B
T
​
​Cy​ ​= 78.757 kips​ Ans. 50ʹ
Substituting Cy into Equation 2 yields (b)

50
​H = ____
​    ​  ​(78.757)​= 375 kips​ Ans. 120 kips
10.5
(b) Using the general cable theorem, apply Equation 6.6 at midspan where A C
B
the cable sag hz = 8 ft and Mz = 3000 kip⋅ ft (Figure 6.6c).
50ʹ 50ʹ
​
​Hh​ z​= ​M​ z​
RA = 60 kips RC = 60 kips
H​(8)​= 3000​
​ M = 3000 kip • ft

​H = 375 kips​ Ans.

After H is evaluated, sum moments about A in Figure 6.6a to compute
(c)
Cy = 78.757 kips.
Figure 6.6:  (a) Cable with a vertical load
NOTE.  Although the vertical reactions at the supports for the cable in at midspan; (b) free body to the right of B;
Figure 6.6a and the beam in Figure 6.6c are not the same, the final results (c) simply supported beam with same length
are identical. as cable. Beam supports cable load.
244  Chapter 6  ■  Cables and Arches

EXAMPLE 6.2
A cable-supported roof carries a uniform load w = 0.6 kip/ft (Figure 6.7a). If
the cable sag at midspan is set at 10 ft, what is the maximum tension in the
cable (a) between points B and D and (b) between points A and B?

Solution
(a) Apply Equation 6.6 at midspan to analyze the cable between points B and
D. Apply the uniform load to a simply supported beam and compute the
w = 0.6 kip/ft moment Mz at midspan (Figure 6.7c). Since the moment curve is a pa-
rabola, the cable is also a parabola between points B and D.
B h = 10ʹ D
​wL​​ 2​
Hh = ​M​ z​= ___
​ ​      ​ 
C 8
30ʹ
45°
0.6 ​(​ 120)​ 2​
A E ​H(​ 10)​= _______
​      ​ 
8
40ʹ 60ʹ 60ʹ 40ʹ ​
H = 108 kips​

(a) The maximum cable tension in span BD occurs at the supports where
the slope is maximum. To establish the slope at the supports, we dif-
y 2 ferentiate the equation of the cable y = 4hx2/L2 (Figure 6.7b).
y = 4 hx
L2 dy 8hx
h ​tan θ = __
​   ​ = ___
​  2 ​ ​
x
dx ​L​  ​
0
1
L/2 L/2 ​at x = 60 ft, tan θ = 8​(10)(​​ 60)​/(​​ 120)​​​  2​ = __
​   ​  , and θ = 18.43° :​
3
(b) ​cos θ = 0.949​

w = 0.6 kip/ft Substituting into

H
B D T = _____
​ ​     ​​  (6.1)
cos θ
60ʹ 60ʹ 108
​T = _____
​    ​ 
= 113.8 kips​ Ans.
2
0.949
wL = M
8 z
(b) If we neglect the weight of the cable between points A and B, the cable
can be treated as a straight member. Since the cable slope θ is 45°, the
moment diagram cable tension equals
(c)
H 108
​T = ____
​     ​ = _____
​    ​ 
= 152.76 kips​ Ans.
Figure 6.7 cos θ 0.707
 6.7  ■  Types of Arches  245

6.6
Arches
As we discussed in Section 1.5, the arch uses material efficiently because
applied loads create mostly axial compression on all cross sections. In this
chapter we show that for a particular set of loads, the designer can establish
one shape of arch—the funicular shape—in which all sections are in direct
compression (moments are zero).
Typically, dead load constitutes the major load supported by the arch. If
a funicular shape is based on the dead load distribution, moments will be cre-
ated on cross sections by live loads whose distribution differs from that of the
dead load. But normally in most arches, the bending stresses produced by live
load moments are so small compared to the axial stresses that net compression
stresses exist on all sections. Because arches use material efficiently, designers
often use them as the main structural elements in long-span bridges (say, 400
to 1800 ft) or buildings that require large column-free areas, for example,
airplane hangers, field houses, or convention halls.
In the following sections we consider the behavior and analysis of three-
hinged arches. As part of this study we apply the concept of structural
optimization to establish the minimum weight of a simple three-hinged
arch carrying a concentrated load. We then apply the general cable theorem
(Section 6.5) to produce the funicular arch for an arbitrary set of concentrated
loads. Finally, we derive the equation for the shape of a funicular arch that
supports a uniformly distributed load.

6.7
Types of Arches
Arches are often classified by the number of hinges they contain or by the manner
in which their bases are constructed. Figure 6.8 shows the three main types: three-
hinged, two-hinged, and fixed-ended. The three-hinged arch is statically determi-
nate; the other two types are indeterminate. The three-hinged arch is the easiest
to analyze and construct. Since it is determinate, temperature changes, support
settlements, and fabrication errors do not create stresses. On the other hand, be-
cause it contains three hinges, it is more flexible than the other arch types.
Fixed-ended arches are often constructed of masonry or concrete when
the base of an arch bears on rock, massive blocks of masonry, or heavy re-
inforced concrete foundations. Indeterminate arches can be analyzed by the
flexibility method covered in Chapter 9 or more simply and rapidly by any
general-purpose computer program. To determine the forces and displace- Photo 6.3:  Railroad bridge (1909) over the
ments at arbitrary points along the axis of the arch using a computer, the Landwasser Gorge, near Wiesen, Switzerland.
designer treats the points as joints that are free to displace. Masonry construction. The main arch is para-
In long-span bridges, two main arch ribs are used to support the roadway bolic, has a span of 55 m and a rise of 33 m.
beams. The roadway beams can be supported either by tension hangers from The bridge is narrow as the railway is single-
track. The arch ribs are a mere 4.8 m at the
the arch (Figure 1.9a) or by columns that bear on the arch (Photo 6.2). Since crown, tapering to 6 m at the supports.
the arch rib is mostly in compression, the designer must also consider the Courtesy of the Godden Collection, NISEE,
possibility of its buckling—particularly if it is slender (Figure 6.9a). If the University of California, Berkeley
246  Chapter 6  ■  Cables and Arches

Figure 6.8 Types of arches: (a) three-

hinged arch, stable and determinate; (b) two-
hinge
hinged arch, indeterminate to the first degree;
(c) fixed-end arch, indeterminate to the third
degree.
(a)

(b)

(c)

buckled
shape

(a)

arch rib

(b)

steel
plates plates
Figure 6.9 (a) Buckling of an unsupported channel
arch; (b) trussed arch, the vertical and di-
agonal members brace the arch rib against
buckling in the vertical plane; (c) two types cross section welded box section
of built-up steel cross sections used to con-
struct an arch rib. (c)
 6.8  ■  Three-Hinged Arches  247

arch is constructed of steel members, a built-up rib or a box section may be

used to increase the bending stiffness of the cross section and to reduce the The Romans mastered the
likelihood of buckling (Figure 6.9c). In many arches, the floor system or wind construction of arch structures
bracing is used to stiffen the arch against lateral buckling in the horizontal thousands of years ago by
plane. In the case of the trussed arch shown in Figure 6.9b, the vertical and empirical methods of
diagonal members brace the arch rib against buckling in the vertical plane. proportioning, as exampled in
Since many people find the arch form aesthetically pleasing, designers of-
Photo 1.2. However, the
ten use low arches to span small rivers or roads in parks and other public places.
At sites where rock sidewalls exist, designers often construct short-span high- theory and analysis of ma-
way bridges using barrel arches (Figure 6.10). Constructed of accurately fitted sonry arches were formal-
masonry blocks or reinforced concrete, the barrel arch consists of a wide, shal- ized much later. In particular,
low arch that supports a heavy, compacted fill on which the engineer places the Philippe de LaHire (1640–1718)
roadway slab. The large weight of the fill induces sufficient compression in the applied statics to geometrical
barrel arch to neutralize any tensile bending stresses created by even the heavi-
solution of funicular polygons
est vehicles. Although the loads supported by the barrel arch may be large, di-
rect stresses in the arch itself are typically low—on the order of 300 to 500 psi (1695), and found that semicir-
because the cross-sectional area of the arch is large. A study by the senior author cular arches are unstable and
of a number of masonry barrel-arch bridges built in Philadelphia in the mid- rely on grout bond or friction
nineteenth century showed that they have the capacity to support vehicles three between masonry or stone
to five times heavier than the standard AASHTO truck (Figure 2.7), which wedges to prevent sliding.
highway bridges are currently designed to support. Moreover, while many
Further important develop-
steel and reinforced concrete bridges built in the past 100 years are no longer
serviceable because of corrosion produced by salts used to melt snow, many ment was made by Charles
masonry arches, constructed of good-quality stone, show no deterioration. Coulomb (1736–1806), in
which he established design
equations for determining the
limiting values of arch thrust in
order to achieve stability.
(a)

roadway
slab fill

barrel arch rock

Figure 6.10: (a) Barrel arch resembles a

curved slab; (b) barrel arch used to support a
(b) compacted fill and roadway slab.

6.8
Three-Hinged Arches
To demonstrate certain characteristics of arches, we will consider how the bar
forces vary as the slope θ of the bars changes in the pin-jointed arch in Figure 6.11a.
Since the members carry axial load only, this con­figuration represents the funicu-
lar shape for an arch supporting a single concentrated load at midspan.
248  Chapter 6  ■  Cables and Arches

Figure 6.11: (a) Three-hinged arch with P/2 P

FAB = sin θ
a concentrated load; (b) vector diagram of
forces acting on the hinge at B, forces FCB
and FAB are equal because of symmetry; FAB FCB
B P/2
(c) components of force in bar AB. FAB = sin θ
A θ θ C FCB
H H
θ FAB
P P
θ θ 2
L/2 L/2 FAB H
P P
2 2
(a) (b) (c)

Because of symmetry, the vertical components of the reactions at sup-

ports A and C are identical in magnitude and equal to P/2. Denoting the slope
of bars AB and CB by angle θ, we can express the bar forces FAB and FCB in
terms of P and the slope angle θ (Figure 6.11b) as

P/2 P/2
​sin θ = ___
​    ​= ___
​    ​
​FAB
​  ​ ​FCB
​  ​
P/2
​
​FAB ​  ​= ____
​  ​= ​FCB ​    ​​  (6.15)
sin θ
Equation 6.15 shows that as θ increases from 0 to 90°, the force in each bar
decreases from infinity to P/2. We can also observe that as the slope angle θ
increases, the length of the bars—and consequently the material required—also
increases. To establish the slope that produces the most ­economical structure
for a given span L, we will express the volume V of bar material required to
support the load P in terms of the geometry of the structure and the compres-
sive strength of the material

​
V = 2A​LB​  ​​ (6.16)
where A is the area of one bar and LB is the length of a bar.
To express the required area of the bars in terms of load P, we divide the
bar forces given by Equation 6.15 by the allowable compressive stress σallow.

P/2
A = ​ _________
​    ​  (6.17)
(​ sin θ)​ ​σ​ allow​

We will also express the bar length LB in terms of θ and the span length L as

L/2
​LB​  ​= _____
​ ​    ​​  (6.18)
cos θ

Substituting A and LB given by Equations 6.17 and 6.18 into Equation 6.16, sim-
plifying, and using the trigonometric identity sin 2θ = 2 sin θ cos θ, we calculate

PL
V = ​ __________
​      ​​ (6.19)
2​σ​ allow​ sin 2θ
 6.9  ■  Funicular Shape of an Arch  249

If V in Equation 6.19 is plotted as a function of θ (Figure 6.12), we observe

volume of bars increasing

that the minimum volume of material is associated with an angle of θ = 45°.
Figure 6.12 also shows that very shallow arches (θ ≤ 15°) and very deep
arches (θ ≥ 75°) require a large volume of material; on the other hand, the flat
curvature in Figure 6.12 when θ varies between 30 and 60° indicates that the
minimum
volume of the bars is not sensitive to the slope between these limits. There- volume
fore, the designer can vary the shape of the structure within this range without at θ = 45°
significantly affecting either its weight or its cost.
In the case of a curved arch carrying a distributed load, the engineer 0 15 30 45 60 75 80
will also find that the volume of material required in the structure, within slope θ (deg)
a certain range, is not sensitive to the depth of the arch. Of course, the cost Figure 6.12:  Variation of volume of mate-
of a very shallow or very deep arch will be greater than that of an arch of rial with slope of bars in Figure 6.11a.
moderate depth. Finally, in establishing the shape of an arch, the designer
will also consider the profile of the site, the location of solid bearing mate-
rial for the foundations, and the architectural and functional requirements of
the project.

6.9
Funicular Shape of an Arch
The material required to construct an arch is minimized when all sections
along the axis of the arch are in direct compression i.e., (moments are zero).
For a particular set of concentrated loads the arch profile in direct compres-
sion is called the funicular arch. By imagining that the loads carried by the
arch are applied to a cable, the designer can automatically generate a funicu-
lar shape for the loads. If the cable shape is turned upside down, the designer
produces a funicular arch. Since dead loads are usually much greater than
the live loads, a designer might use them to establish the funicular shape
(Figure 6.13). Example 6.3 illustrates the use of the general cable theorem to
establish a funicular shape for an arch supporting a set of concentrated verti-
cal loads. Example 6.4 illustrates the analysis of a three-hinged arch truss that
corresponds to the funicular shape.

TA TB W3 W4
W2 W5
W1
A B
h1 h2 h3
h2 h3
h1
A B
W1 W5
W2 W3 W4 TA TB

(a) (b)

Figure 6.13:  Establishing the shape of the funicular arch: (a) loads supported by arch
applied to a cable whose sag h3 at midspan equals the midspan height of the arch;
(b) arch (produced by inverting the cable profile) in direct stress.
250  Chapter 6  ■  Cables and Arches

EXAMPLE 6.3
Establish the shape of the funicular arch for the set of
loads acting on the trussed arch in Figure 6.14a. The rise
60 kips of the arch at midspan is set at 36 ft.
60 kips 60 kips
60 kips 60 kips
hinge Solution
30 kips 30 kips We imagine that the set of loads is applied to a cable that
h2 h3 = 36ʹ
h1 spans the same distance as the arch (Figure 6.14b). The
A B
sag of the cable is set at 36 ft—the height of the arch at
midspan. Since the 30-kip loads at each end of the span act
6 @ 30ʹ = 180ʹ directly at the supports, they do not affect the force or the
(a) shape of the cable. Applying the general cable theory, we
imagine that the loads supported by the cable are applied
to an imaginary simply supported beam with a span equal
A B
H H to that of the cable (Figure 6.14c). We next construct the
y1
y2
h3 = 36ʹ
shear and moment curves. According to the general cable
theorem at every point,
30 kips 30 kips
60 kips 60 kips ​
M = hz​ (6.6)
60 kips 60 kips
60 kips
where M = moment at an arbitrary point in the beam
(b)
  H = horizontal component of support reaction
30 kips 60 kips 60 kips 60 kips 60 kips 60 kips 30 kips hz = cable sag at an arbitrary point

Since h = 36 ft at midspan and M = 8100 kip⋅ft, we can

A B apply Equation 6.6 at that point to establish H.

6 @ 30ʹ = 180ʹ M 8100

​H = __
​   ​ = ____
​     
​ = 225 kips​
180 kips 180 kips h 36
(c)
With H established we next apply Equation 6.6 at
150
30 and 60 ft from the supports. Compute h1 at 30 ft.
90
shear
30 M 4500
(kips) ​h1​  ​= __
​   ​ = ____
​   ​ = 20 ft​
H 225
–30
–90
–150 Compute h2 at 60 ft.
(d)
M 7200
​h2​  ​= __
​   ​ = ____
​   ​ = 32 ft​
7200 8100 H 225
4500
A cable profile is always a funicular structure because
a cable can only carry direct stress. If the cable profile is
moment turned upside down, a funicular arch is produced. When
(kip • ft)
(e) the vertical loads acting on the cable are applied to the
arch, they produce compression forces at all sections
Figure 6.14:  Use of cable theory to estab- equal in magnitude to the tension forces in the cable at
lish the funicular shape of the trussed arch. the corresponding sections.
 6.9  ■  Funicular Shape of an Arch  251

EXAMPLE 6.4
The three-hinged arch truss shown in Figure 6.15a has a bottom chord of
the same funicular shape as that found in Example 6.3. To demonstrate
one benefit of using a funicular arch shape, (a) analyze the truss assuming
the applied loads represent the dead load of the structure, and (b) analyze
the truss with a single concentrated live load of 90 kips applied at joint L.
Member KJ is detailed with a slotted connection at one end so that it cannot
transmit axial force. Assume joint D acts as a hinge.
30 kips 60 kips 60 kips 60 kips 60 kips 60 kips 30 kips 30 kips 60 kips 60 kips 60 kips

N M L K J I H 0 0 0

0 0 –60
0 –60
–60 FDJ
48ʹ –30 – – FDE
C D E – 90 –225 D
36ʹ –30
32ʹ 225
B 20ʹ F – 150 hinge
H A H 225
G 225
kips
6 @ 30ʹ = 180ʹ
RA RG 180 kips
(a) (b)

Figure 6.15

Solution
(a) Because the arch and its loads are symmetric, the vertical reactions at
A and G are equal to 180 kips (one-half the applied load). Compute the
horizontal reaction at support G.
Consider the free body of the arch to the left of the hinge at D
(Figure 6.15b), and sum moments about D.
⟳+  ∑MD = 0
 
​0 = −60​(30)​− 60​(60)​− 30​(90)​+ 180​(90)​− 36H​
​
H = 225 kips​
We now analyze the truss by the method of joints
90 kips
starting at support A. Results of the analysis are
shown on a sketch of the truss in Figure 15b. –10.71 –75 0 +37.38 +21.42
14.95
Since the arch rib is the funicular shape for the 64.28 75 37.38 15.96
– 30
loads applied at the top chord, the only members 10.71
+
10
+
–60
0 +
–14.95
8.5 – +8.51
–34.28
that carry load—other than the rib—are the ver- 34.28 – 20 +20
tical columns, which transmit the load down to –10 – 25.72 0 –112.38
0 –14.1
38.51 – 21.42
75 64.29 96.42 75
the arch. The diagonals and top chords will only kips – 50 50 – kips
be stressed when a loading pattern is applied that 75 75

does not conform to the funicular shape.

(b) Analysis results of the truss subjected
to a single 90-kip concentrated live load are 60 kips 30 kips

shown in Figure 6.16. Notice there are far Figure 6.16

fewer zero-force members.
252  Chapter 6  ■  Cables and Arches

6.10
Funicular Shape for an Arch That Supports
a Uniformly Distributed Load
Many arches carry dead loads that have a uniform or nearly uniform distribu-
tion over the span of the structure. For example, the weight per unit length
of the floor system of a bridge will typically be constant. To establish for
a uniformly loaded arch of the funicular shape—the form required if only
direct compression is to develop at all points along the axis of an arch—we
will consider the symmetric three-hinged arch in Figure 6.17a. The height
(or rise) of the arch is denoted by h. Because of symmetry, the vertical reac-
tions at supports A and C are equal to wL/2 (one-half the total load supported
by the structure).
The horizontal thrust H at the base of the arch can be expressed in terms
of the applied load w and the geometry of the arch by considering the free
body to the right of the center hinge in Figure 6.17b. Summing moments
about the center hinge at B, we find

⟳+ ∑MB = 0
 

​0 = ​(___
​     ​)​ ​__
2 4 ( 2 ) 2
wL L wL L
   ​− ​ ___
​     ​ ​ ​__
   ​+ Hh​

w ​L​ 2​
H = ​ ___   
​ ​​ (6.20)
8h

To establish the equation of the axis of the arch, we superimpose a rect-

angular coordinate system, with an origin o located at B, on the arch. The
positive sense of the vertical y axis is directed downward. We next express the

Figure 6.17: Establishing the funicular shape

for a uniformly loaded arch.
1 L–x
2 2 R=w L–x
2
w

w L/2 – x
x θ
B 1
x axis
B 8hx
M y
L2
A C h h
hinge
1 + 8hx
+ 2
H H y axis D
C h–y L2
2
L/2 L/2 H = wL
L/2 8h
wL wL
2 2 wL
2
(a) (b) (c)
 6.10  ■  Funicular Shape for an Arch That Supports a Uniformly Distributed Load  253

moment M at an arbitrary section (point D on the arch’s axis) by considering

the free body of the arch between D and the pin at C.

⟳+ ∑MD = 0
 

​0 = ​(__
​   ​− x)​  ​   ​__ ​     ​(​   ​− x)​+ H​(h − y)​+ M​
2
L w wL __ L
   ​  − ___
2 2 2 2
Solving for M gives
w ​L​ 2​ y ___ w ​x​ 2​
M = ____
​ ​      ​ − ​      ​​  (6.21)
8h 2
If the arch axis follows the funicular shape, M = 0 at all sections. Substituting
this value for M into Equation 6.21 and solving for y establishes the following
mathematical relationship between y and x:
4h
y = __
​ ​  2  ​ ​x​ 2​​ (6.22)
​L​  ​
Equation 6.22, of course, represents the equation of a parabola. Even if the
parabolic arch in Figure 6.17 were a fixed-ended arch, a uniformly distributed
load—assuming no significant change in geometry from axial shortening—
would still produce direct stress at all sections because the arch conforms to
the funicular shape for a uniform load.
From a consideration of equilibrium in the horizontal direction, we can
see that the horizontal thrust at any section of an arch equals H, the hori-
zontal reaction at the support. In the case of a uniformly loaded parabolic Robert Hooke (1635–1703)
arch, the total axial thrust T at any section, a distance x from the origin at established that the shape
B (Figure 6.17b), can be expressed in terms of H and the slope at the given
of a hanging chain, when
section as
inverted, would generate an
H
T = _____
​ ​     ​​  (6.23) efficient funicular shape of
cos θ
an arch in direct compres-
To evaluate cos θ, we first differentiate Equation 6.22 with respect to x to give sive stress. Antonio Gaudi
dy 8hx (1852–1926) utilized Hooke’s
​ tan θ = __
​   ​ = ___
​  2 ​ ​ (6.24)
dx ​L​  ​ theory and built funicular
The tangent of θ can be shown graphically by the triangle in Figure 6.17c. arches by scaling physical
From this triangle we can compute the hypotenuse r using r 2 = x2 + y2: models that consisted of a
_________ network of strings with hang-

( ​L​ 2​ ) √ 
2
8hx
r = ​ 1 + ​ ___
​ ​   ​  ​  ​ ​  (6.25) ing weights. Gaudi used this
method in the construction of
From the relationship between the sides of the triangle in Figure 6.17c and Colonia Güell in Santa Coloma,
the cosine function, we can write Spain. Another iconic example
of a funicular arch is St Louis
1
cos θ = ________
​ ​  _________
    ​​  (6.26) Gateway Arch in St Louis,

( ​L​  ​ ) √ 
2
8hx
___ Missouri, completed in 1967.
​ 1 + ​ ​  2 ​  ​  ​  
254  Chapter 6  ■  Cables and Arches

Substituting Equation 6.26 into Equation 6.23 gives

_________

( ​L​ 2​ ) √ 
2
8hx
T = H ​ 1 + ​ ___
​ ​   ​  ​  ​ ​  (6.27)

Equation 6.27 shows that the largest value of thrust occurs at the supports
where x has its maximum value of L/2. If w or the span of the arch is large, the
designer may wish to vary (taper) the cross section in direct proportion to the
value of T so that the stress on the cross section is constant. Example 6.5 dem-
onstrates the use of the funicular shape of an arch to support a uniform load.

EXAMPLE 6.5
Establish the shape of the funicular arch for the uniform loading acting
on the three-hinged arch in Figure 6.18a. To achieve economy, the arch is
tapered along its length. Determine the minimum cross sectional area at
three locations (x1 = 17.5 ft, x2 = 35 ft, and x3 = 52.5 ft) if the maximum
allowable compressive stress is 2000 lbs/in.2.

w = 5 kips/ft

y1
x
y2
y3 x1 y
h = 42ʹ
x2

x3

70ʹ 70ʹ

Figure 6.18

Solution
Since this arch is uniformly loaded, the funicular shape is given by
4h
y = ___ ​​  2 ​​   x2(6.22)
L
Therefore,
4(42)
y1 = _____
​​  2
(17.5)2 = 2.6 ft
 ​​  
140
4(42)
y2 = _____
​​  2
(35)2 = 10.5 ft
 ​​  
140
4(42)
y3 = _____
​​  2
(52.5)2 = 23.6 ft
 ​​  
140
 6.10  ■  Funicular Shape for an Arch That Supports a Uniformly Distributed Load  255

Since the maximum allowable compressive stress is 2000 lb/in.2 and the
funicular shape of the arch has been established Equation 6.27 can be used
to determine the minimum cross-sectional area by

T T
A = ____
​​  σ    ​​ = _______
​​     ​​ 
max 2000 psi
where

√ 
___________

( L )
8hx 2
T = H​​ 1 +​ ____
​  2 ​  ​   
​​ (6.27)

and
wL2
H =  ____
​​  ​​  (6.20)
8h

So for each location, the minimum area is found.

5(140)2
H = _______
​​    
​​ 
= 291.7 kips
8(42)
___________________

( 1402 )
√
8(42)(17.5) 2
T1 = 291.7​​  1
  + ​ __________
​      ​ ​  ​​= 304.5 kips

304.5(1000)
A1 = ___________
   
​​ = 152.3 in.2
  ​​ 
2000
___________________

( 1402 )
√
8(42)(35) 2
1 + ​ __________
T2 = 291.7​​     ​     ​ ​  ​​= 340.2 kips

340.2(1000)
A2 =  ___________
​​   = 170.1 in.2
  ​​ 
2000
___________________

√ ( 1402 )
8(42)(52.5) 2
T3 = 291.7​​  1
  + ​ ​ __________
    ​ ​  ​​= 392.4 kips

392.4(1000)
A3 = ___________
   
​​     ​​= 196.2 in.2
2000

If the depth of the section is held constant, say, to 10 in., the economic
widths will be 15.2 in, 17 in., and 19.6 in., respectively.
256  Chapter 6  ■  Cables and Arches

Summary
•• Cables are used to construct long-span structures such as suspension and
cable-stayed bridges, as well as roofs over large arenas (sports stadiums
and exhibition halls) that require column-free space. Since cables are
flexible, they can undergo large changes in geometry under moving loads.
Therefore, designers must provide stabilizing elements to prevent exces-
sive deformations. Also the supports at the ends of cables must be capable
of anchoring large forces. If bedrock is not present for anchoring the ends
of suspension bridge cables, massive abutments of reinforced concrete
may be required.
•• Because cables (due to their flexibility) have no bending stiffness, the
moment is zero at all sections along the cable.
•• The general cable theorem establishes a simple equation to relate the
horizontal thrust H and the cable sag h to the moment that develops in a
fictitious, simply supported beam with the same span as the cable
Hhz = Mz
where H = horizontal component of cable tension
hz = sag at point z where Mz is evaluated. The sag is the
vertical distance from the cable chord to the cable.
Mz = moment at point z in a simply supported beam with the
same span as the cable and carrying the same loads as the
cable
•• When cables are used in suspension bridges, floor systems must be very
stiff to distribute the concentrated wheel loads of trucks to multiple sus-
penders, thereby minimizing deflections of the roadway.
•• Since a cable is in direct stress under a given loading (usually the dead
load), the cable shape can be used to generate the funicular shape of an
arch by turning it upside down.
•• Although short masonry arches are often used in scenic locations be-
cause of their attractive form, they also produce economical designs for
long-span structures that (1) support large, uniformly distributed dead
load, and (2) provide a large unobstructed space under the arch (suitable
for convention halls or sports arenas or in the case of a bridge providing
clearance for tall ships).
•• Arches can be shaped (termed a funicular arch) so that dead load pro-
duces only direct stress—a condition that leads to a minimum weight
structure.
•• For a given set of loads, the funicular shape of arch can be established
using the general cable theorem.
   ■ Problems  257

PROBLEMS
Cables P6.2. The cable in Figure P6.2 supports four sim-
ply supported girders uniformly loaded with 6 kips/ft.
P6.1.  Determine the reactions at the supports, the mag- (a) Determine the minimum required area of the main
nitude of the cable sag at joints B and E, the magnitude
cable ABCDE if the allowable stress is 60 kips/in.2.
of the tension force in each segment of the cable, and the
(b) Determine the cable sag at point B.
total length of the cable in Figure P6.1.

A F A E

30ʹ
24ʹ 24ʹ B D
B E C

C D

30 kips 30 kips

30 kips 30 kips w = 6 kips/ft

4 @ 30ʹ = 120ʹ
5 @ 20ʹ = 100ʹ
P6.2
P6.1

P6.3.  The cable in Figure P6.3 supports girder DE uni- P6.4.  (a) Determine the reactions at supports A and E
formly loaded with 4 kips/ft. The supporting hangers and the maximum tension in the cable in Figure P6.4.
are closely spaced, generating a smooth curved cable. (b) Establish the cable sag at points C and D.
Determine the support reactions at A and C. If the maxi-
mum tensile force in the cable cannot exceed 600 kips,
determine the sag hB at midspan.

100ʹ 100ʹ
E

A C hD
6m
hB = 2 m hC
cable D
hB
C
B A 15 kN
B
3m 5m 2m 5m
D E
30 kN

w = 4 kips/ft P6.4

P6.3
258  Chapter 6  ■  Cables and Arches

P6.5.  Compute the support reactions and the maximum P6.8.  Compute the support reactions and the maximum
tension in the main cable in Figure P6.5. The hangers can tension in the cable in Figure P6.8.
be assumed to provide a simple support for the suspended
beams.
w = 6 kN/m
B

B
80ʹ w = 6 kips/ft A 4m
20ʹ 2m
cable
A 12 m 12 m

P6.8

6 @ 40ʹ = 240ʹ

P6.5
P6.9.  A uniformly distributed load on beam ABC in
Figure P6.9 causes it to sag. To counteract this sag, a cable
P6.6.  What value of θ is associated with the minimum and post are added beneath the beam. The cable is ten-
volume of cable material required to support the 100-kip sioned until the force in the post causes a moment equal
load in Figure P6.6? The allowable stress in the cable is in magnitude, but opposite in direction, to the moment in
150 kips/in.2. the beam. Determine the forces in the cable and the post,
and determine the reactions at A and C.
A B
θ θ

w = 1 kip/ft
B
C

A post C 3ʹ
100 kips

60ʹ 60ʹ cable D

P6.6 15ʹ 15ʹ

P6.7.  The cables in Figure P6.7 have been dimensioned P6.9

so that a 3-kip tension force develops in each vertical
strand when the main cables are tensioned. What value
of jacking force T must be applied at supports B and C to P6.10.  Compute the support reactions and the maximum
tension the system? value of w if the allowable tension force in the cable in
Figure P6.10 is 200 kN.
cable T=?
D C 5ʹ
w
cable 10ʹ A B

A B 5ʹ 3m
T=?

6 @ 10ʹ = 60ʹ 8m 4m 4m 8m

P6.7 P6.10
   ■ Problems  259

P6.11. The cable in Figure P6.11 is capable of carry- P6.13. Compute the support reactions and the maximum
ing a tensile load of 180 kips and the pin supports are tension in the cable in Figure P6.13. The sag at midspan
capable of providing a horizontal reaction of 150 kips. is 12 ft. Each hanger can be assumed to provide a simple
Determine the shape of the cable subjected to the load- support for the suspended beam. Determine the sag at
ing shown. points B and D.

A E
hB
B hC hD

C D A E
20 kips B 12ʹ D
30 kips 50 kips C

20ʹ 30ʹ 50ʹ 50ʹ H F

G
P6.11
9 kips 9 kips 9 kips 9 kips

30ʹ 6 @ 15ʹ = 90ʹ 30ʹ

P6.13

P6.12.  A cable ABCD is pulled at end E by a force P P6.14.  Determine the location of the 40-kN load such
(Figure P6.12). The cable is supported at point D by
that sags at points B and C in Figure P6.14 are 3 m and
a rigid member DF. Compute the force P that produces a
2 m, respectively. Determine the maximum tension in the
sag of 2 m at points B and C. The horizontal reaction at
cable and the reactions at supports A and D.
support F is zero. Compute the vertical reaction at F.

3m 2m
A 45° A
2m E
C 2m 3m
D 4m
B 2 kN/m 3m 2m
P B 40 kN C
x
F

20 m 10 m 10 m
4m 4m 4m
P6.14
P6.12
260  Chapter 6  ■  Cables and Arches

Practical Application P6.16.  Computer study of a cable-stayed bridge. The

deck and tower making up the two-span, cable-stayed
P6.15.  The cable-supported roof for a summer theater, bridge in Figure P6.16 are constructed of reinforced con-
shown in Figure P6.15, is composed of 24 equally spaced
crete. The cross section of the bridge is constant with an
cables that span from a tension ring at the center to a com-
area of 15 ft2 and a moment of inertia of 19 ft4. The dead
pression ring on the perimeter. The tension ring lies 12 ft
weight of the girders is 4 kips/ft. In addition the girders
below the compression ring. The roof weighs 25 lb/ft2
are to be designed to support a live load of 0.6 kips/ft that
based on the horizontal projection of the roof area. If the
is to be positioned to maximize the design forces in indi-
sag at midspan of each cable is 4 ft, determine the tensile
vidual members. The vertical cable tower, located at the
force each cable applies to the compression ring. What is
center support, has a cross-­sectional area of 24 ft2 and a
the required area of each cable if the allowable stress is
moment of inertia of 128 ft4. Four cables, each with an
110 kips/in.2? Determine the weight of the tension ring
area of 13 in.2 and an effective modulus of elasticity of
required to balance the vertical components of the cable
26,000 kips/in.2, are used to support the deck at the third
forces.
points of each 120 ft span. The modulus of elasticity of
compression 15° the concrete is 5000 kips/in.2. The cable reaction may be
ring assumed to be applied to the underside of the roadway.
Members have been detailed such that the support at D
acts as a simple support for both the tower and the roadway
1 1 girders.
(a) Analyze the structure for full live and dead loads
on both spans, that is, establish the shear, moment, and
axial load diagrams for the girders, the forces in the ca-
bles, and the maximum deflection of the girders.
(b) With the dead load on both spans and the live load
compression on the left span ABCD, determine the shear, moment, and
ring
axial load diagrams for both spans, the axial force in the
12ʹ cables, and the shear, moment, and axial load in the verti-
cable cal cable tower. Also determine the lateral deflection of
tension
ring the cable tower.

60ʹ 60ʹ
4ʹ
Section 1-1
I
P6.15 40ʹ

60ʹ

A 5ʹ B C E F G

40ʹ 40ʹ 40ʹ 40ʹ 40ʹ 40ʹ

P6.16
   ■ Problems  261

Arches P6.20.  For the arch shown in Figure P6.20, the thrust force
exceeded the abutment’s lateral support capacity, which is
P6.17. For the parabolic arch in Figure P6.17, plot the represented by a roller at C. Load P was removed tem-
variation of the thrust T at support A for values of h = 12, porarily and tension rod AC was added. If the maximum
24, 36, 48, and 60 ft. compression in members AB and BC will be 750 kips,
what size diameter tension rod is required? (Ignore dead
w = 6 kips/ft
load of the arch.) The allowable tensile capacity of the rod
is 32 ksi. Determine the reactions.
B
h
hinge
A C
T
P
60ʹ 60ʹ
B
P6.17

P6.18.  For the arch and loading in Figure P6.18, compute 30ʹ
the reactions and determine the height of each point. The
maximum height permitted at any point along the arch, rod
hzmax, is 20 m. A C
turnbuckle
50 kN
20 kN 70 kN
30 kN 90 kN 80ʹ 80ʹ

P6.20
y2 y3 y4
y1 y5 hz max
A B

6 @ 10 m = 60 m P6.21.  The arch shown in Figure P6.21 has a pin sup-

port at A and a roller at C. A tension rod connects A and
P6.18 C. Determine the reactions at A and C and the tension
in rod AC.
P6.19.  Determine the reactions at supports A and C of the
three-hinged circular arch.

w = 4 kN/m 15 kips
25 kips
B B

A hinge h = 45ʹ
40ʹ
rod
A
C
25ʹ turnbuckle
r = 20 m
θ = 45°
C
60ʹ 60ʹ

P6.19 P6.21
262  Chapter 6  ■  Cables and Arches

P6.22.  For the three-hinged arch shown in Figure P6.22, P6.25. Compute the support reactions for the arch in
compute the reactions at A and C. Determine the axial Figure P6.25. (Hint: You will need two moment equa-
force, shear, and moment at D. tions: Consider the entire free body for one, and a free
body of the portion of truss to either the left or right of
10 kips the hinge at B.)
15 kips
D
35ʹ
10 kN 20 kN 30 kN
20ʹ

A C B 18 kN

hinge 8m

50ʹ 25ʹ 25ʹ C

P6.22
12 m

P6.23.  Compute the reactions at supports A and E of the

three-hinged parabolic arch in Figure P6.23. Next com- A
pute the shear, axial load, and moment at points B and D,
located at the quarter points. 5 @ 8 m = 40 m

P6.25
w = 1.5 kips/ft

30 kips
C
B D P6.26.  Compute the horizontal reaction at A of the arch
in Figure P6.26.
h = 15ʹ
11.25ʹ 11.25ʹ

A E 10 kips 10 kips

10ʹ 10ʹ 10ʹ 10ʹ

B C D E F
P6.23
I hinge H
P6.24.  The three-hinged parabolic arch in Figure P6.24
30ʹ
supports 60-kip load at the quarter points. Determine the
shear, axial load, and moment on sections an infinitesimal 20ʹ
Ax
distance to the left and right of the loads. The equation for A G
the arch axis is y = 4hx2/L2.
40ʹ 40ʹ
60 kips 60 kips
25ʹ 25ʹ P6.26
B C
D
h = 20ʹ
A E

50ʹ 50ʹ

P6.24
   ■ Problems  263

P6.27. (a) Determine the reactions and all bar forces of 20 kN

the three-hinged, trussed arch in Figure P6.27 for the fol- hinge
lowing cases: P 40 kN
Case A: Only the 90-kN force at joint D acts. C
3m
Case B: Both the 90-kN and 60-kN forces at joints D and B D
M act.
(b) Determine the maximum axial force in the arch in
y1 6m
Case B.

90 kN A E
hinge
60 kN M L K J I H
4m 4m 6m 3m
D 3m
P6.29
C E 6m

B F
P6.30.  If the arch rib ABCDE in Figure P6.30 is to be fu-
9m
nicular for the dead loads shown at the top joints, establish
A G the elevation of the lower chord joints at B and D.

6 @ 9 m = 54 m 40 kips 35 kips 30 kips 35 kips 40 kips

hinge
P6.27 I H G F

P6.28.  Establish the funicular arch for the system of loads B D

50ʹ
in Figure P6.28, if the maximum allowable compressive h=? h=?
force in the arch is 85 kips.
A E

20 k
20 k 20 k 4 @ 30ʹ = 120ʹ
24 k 24 k P6.30

y2 y3 y2 P6.31.  For the arch rib to be funicular for the dead loads
y1 y1
shown, establish the elevation of the lower chord joints
A B
B, C, and E.

6 @ 10ʹ = 60ʹ 15 kN 30 kN 30 kN 30 kN 30 kN 15 kN

P6.28
L K J I H G
D
C E 8m
P6.29.  Determine the load P such that all the members in B
the three-hinged arch in Figure P6.29 are in pure compres- F
4m
sion. What is the value of y1? A

3@8m 2@6m

P6.31
264  Chapter 6  ■  Cables and Arches

P6.32.  Computer study of a two-hinged arch. The objec- the arch, and the joint displacements. Plot the deflected
tive is to establish the difference in response of a shape. Represent the arch by a series of straight segments
parabolic arch to (1) uniformly distributed loads between joints. The arch has a constant cross section with
and (2) a single concentrated load. A = 24 in.2, I = 2654 in.4, and E = 29,000 ksi.
(a) The arch in Figure P6.32 supports a roadway (b) Repeat the analysis of the arch if a single 48-kip
consisting of simply supported beams connected to the vertical load acts downward at joint 18. Again, deter-
arch by high-strength cables with area A = 2 in.2 and mine all the forces acting at each joint of the arch, the
E = 26,000 ksi. (Each cable transmits a dead load from joint displacements, etc., and compare results with those
the beams of 36 kips to the arch.) Determine the reac- in (a). Briefly describe the difference in behavior.
tions, the axial force, shear, and moment at each joint of

5 6 6 1
5 7
4 7
4 8
3 8 12ʺ
3 120ʹ 1 9
2 9
115.2ʹ 115.2ʹ 120ʹ 20ʺ
2 100.8ʹ 100.8ʹ
10
76.8ʹ 76.8ʹ
1 43.2ʹ 43.2ʹ 10
Section 1-1
1 20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12 11

36 kips 36 kips 36 kips 36 kips 36 kips 36 kips 36 kips 36 kips 36 kips

10 @ 36ʹ = 360ʹ

P6.32

P6.33.  Computer study of arch with a continuous floor girder and the arch, determine all forces acting on the
girder. Repeat part (b) in problem P6.33 if a arch joints as well as the joint displacements. Discuss
continuous girder with A = 102.5 in2 and I = the results of your study of P6.32 and P6.33 with par-
40,087 in.4, as shown in Figure P6.33, is pro- ticular emphasis on the magnitude of the forces and dis-
vided to support the floor system. For both the placements produced by the 48-kip load.

6 1
5 7
4 8

3 1 9

2 10 120ʹ

1 11

20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12

48 kips continuous girder

10 @ 36ʹ = 360ʹ

P6.33
   ■ Problems  265

P6.34.  To reduce the vertical displacement of the roadway the vertical displacement of all the floor system joints.
floor system of the arch (shown in P6.32, part b) Compare the results of this analysis with part b of P6.32 by
produced by the 48-kip load at joint 18, diagonal plotting to scale the vertical deflections of all joints along
cables of 2 in. in diameter are added as shown in the roadway from joints 1 to 11. Properties of the diagonal
Figure P6.34. For this configuration, determine cables are the same as those of the vertical cables.

6
5 7
4 8

3 9

2 10

1 11

20 19 18 17 16 15 14 13 12
48 kips

P6.34
Courtesy of Aerial Photography, Inc.

AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas

Spanning 1290 ft between true pin connections on concrete slurry wall box foundations,
18-ft wide, 176-ft long, and 71-ft deep, the twin steel truss arches serve as a backbone for
the 80,000-seat AT&T Stadium. The arches soar though the interior space, supporting a
retractable roof nearly 300-ft above the field.