BEHAVIOUR OF CABLE NETS WITH RIGID BOUNDARIES

Abstract

Since 1950, there has been a growing interest to use covered area of long spans using tension structures. Several no, of sport halls, exhibition halls and aircraft hangers are being covered with cable suspended roofs. With the increase in the demand of suspended cable roof system, theoretical research work in the field of analysis of a cable structure, enable to make detailed study of them. In the present work, behaviour of flat cable net roof and saddle shape cable net roof under static loads has been obtained analytically. Influence of different parameters, such as level of pretension, area of cross-section of cables on maximum deflection, maximum member force and maximum change in member force has been studied. Cable roofs have been analysed as a discrete system by mean of stiffness method, using an already available computer programme after necessary modifications. Results are presented in the form of X-Y graphs plotted using non-dimensional parameters. Recommendations are given regarding selection of number of cables, area of cable cross-section and force of pretension for design of flat and saddle shape cable net roof to cover diamond and square plan area.