Cable Tension
Cable Tension - Related Videos
01:29
Cable: Problem Solving
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2025
When dealing with a cable that is fixed to two supports and subjected to uniform loading, it is crucial to determine the maximum tension in the cable. This process can be broken down into several key steps, as outlined below: Analyze the problem: Begin by understanding the given scenario and the conditions of the cable. Identify the supports, the type of loading, and any other relevant information. Determine the cable's shape equation: Use the principles of equilibrium and the cable's...
10:09
Tests of Hardened Concrete in Tension
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2023
Source: Roberto Leon, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA In a previous laboratory focused on concrete in compression, we observed that concrete can withstand very large stresses under uniaxial compressive forces. However, the failures observed were not compressive failures but failures along shear planes where maximum tensile forces occur. Thus, it is important to understand the behavior of concrete in tension and particularly its maximum strength...
01:10
Tension
0 Views •
2025
Tension is a force along the length of a medium, in particular, a force carried by a flexible medium, such as a rope or cable. The word "tension" comes from Latin, meaning "to stretch". Not coincidentally, the flexible cords that carry muscle forces to other parts of the body are called tendons. Any flexible connector, such as a string, rope, chain, wire, or cable, can exert pull only parallel to its length; so, a force carried by a flexible connector is a tension with a direction parallel to...
01:10
Tension
0 Views •
2023
Tension is a force along the length of a medium, in particular, a force carried by a flexible medium, such as a rope or cable. The word "tension" comes from Latin, meaning "to stretch". Not coincidentally, the flexible cords that carry muscle forces to other parts of the body are called tendons. Any flexible connector, such as a string, rope, chain, wire, or cable, can exert pull only parallel to its length; so, a force carried by a flexible connector is a tension with a direction parallel to...
08:44
Tension Tests of Polymers
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2023
Source: Roberto Leon, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA Polymeric materials are widely used in civil structures, with uses ranging from very soft sealants to more rigid pipes in water and wastewater systems. The most basic definition of a polymer is a molecular structure with repeating subunits. The term polymer comes from Greek, where "poly" means many, and "-mer" means basic unit. Monomers, or single mers, are the specific repeating units. With...
FAQs
Cable tension depends on the applied load, equilibrium, cable geometry, support conditions, and sag. These variables determine both the magnitude of the force and its direction at different points along the cable. Evaluating them together allows engineers to predict how loads transfer through the system and whether the resulting forces remain within acceptable limits.
Geometry and sag change the direction in which the cable carries load and influence the tension required for equilibrium. A cable with different support positions or curvature can develop different force magnitudes under comparable loading. This relationship is important because excessive tension may threaten structural integrity, while excessive sag can produce unwanted deflection or instability.
A cable resists axial pulling but does not resist compression or bending. Consequently, applied loads are transferred along its length rather than through bending stiffness, and the cable shape adjusts to the loading and supports. This behavior distinguishes cable-supported systems from members designed to carry compressive or bending forces and affects how engineers assess equilibrium and deformation.
Engineers can calculate cable tension from the applied loads, equilibrium, geometry, support conditions, and sag, or measure it in an operating system. Calculation supports design decisions before construction, while measurement helps evaluate actual conditions. Using either approach, engineers can identify excessive force, insufficient force, or load distributions that could affect safety and reliability.
Cable tension is relevant to suspension bridges, guy wires, elevators, cranes, and rigging, as well as cable-driven mechanisms. In each case, the force influences how loads are distributed and how the system remains supported or operates. Assessing tension helps engineers design efficient structures and mechanisms while reducing the risk of failure, instability, or excessive deflection.
Excessive cable tension can contribute to failure, whereas insufficient tension can produce instability or excessive deflection. These conditions provide practical indicators that the load distribution or operating state may not meet design requirements. Engineers therefore evaluate tension under both static and dynamic conditions to support safe load transfer and reliable performance throughout the system.