[NODE/ELEMENT]     How is a truss element and a cable element considered ?

Truss element can resist both tension and compression, while a cable
element can resist only tension.

Main differences in these elements are as tabulated below:


Feature
Truss Element
Cable Element
Sag Effect
No Sag

Truss element, is linear in general and has constant stiffness.

Sag is predominant

Cable elements are inherently non linear and the stiffness changes with the load applied. Hence consideration of sag becomes important.
Load
Combinations
Superimposition possible

Linear combinations of load cases can be made to compare truss force results.

Non linear behaviour, no superimposition

When non linear behaviour of cable is considered, superimposition of load cases are ruled out and combined effect of loads has to be considered.
General Usage
Used for both cable bridges as well as for modelling struts and ties of general bridges.


It’s effective in case of cable bridges i.e. suspension and cable-stayed bridges, where in large deformation effects can not be neglected.

Usage in Cable Bridges
For preliminary design of the cable bridges we go for modelling of cables as equivalent truss elements. The model is checked if the stiffness of the truss is sufficient to resist the initial Dead load.
More detailed analysis may require cable elements be modelled. In this case geometric non linear analysis has to be carried and an elastic catenary behaviour of the cable is considered.
Creation date: 6/22/2016 6:23 PM      Updated: 9/5/2017 10:59 AM
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