A STUDY OF NON-LINEARITY IN CABLE STRUCTURES

Abstract

Cable structures form a very versatile, though a rather complex, group of structures in Civil Engineering. Because of their inherent flexibility, they undergo large deformations when loaded. This induces non-linear behaviour in them. This study attempts to present a unified analysis algorithm for different cable structures. Matrix displace-ment method has been employed to the complete assembly of cables supporting system because of its simplicity and versatility. A computer program has been developed that takes into account the geometric non-linearity, the beam column non linearity and the non linearity because of cable sag. To illustrate the capabilities of the program different types of cable structures have been analysed. The non-linear effects on a cable truss have been studied for different support flexibilities, and different load positions. Non-linear analysis has also been carried out of a cable-stayed bridge, guyed mast . tower and a hyperbolic paraboloid cable roof.