Two-node Catenary Cable Element With Rigid-end Effect and Cable Shape Analysis

The effect of rigid ends is considered in the formulation of a general two-node cable element for the analysis of cable-supported structures. The stiffness matrix of the catenary cable element was derived as the inverse of the flexibility matrix, with allowances for self-weight and pretension effects. In modeling the cables of suspension bridge, distinction is made between single cables (e.g., stay cables and hangers) and multi segment cables (e.g., main cables). The unstressed length of each cable element in terms of the pretension force is determined by a trial-and-error procedure prior to structural analysis. Cable shape analysis was conducted to determine the configuration of main cables for cable-supported bridges under the dead loads. It was demonstrated that the effect of rigid ends cannot be ignored for taut cables, that is, cables with large pretensions. Further, the cable element derived can be reliably used in the analysis of cable-supported bridges, regardless of the sag magnitudes.