Inelastic nonlinear analysis of beam with under-tension cables

Abstract

For long span structures, the size of the structural members should be determined by considering the esthetic view. As a result, the slenderness ratio of members is increased and the structures may be suffered from significant deflection as well as excessive stress level. In the under-tension systems, cables are introduced in the tensional layer of the beam. Prestress is introduced in cables to improve force distribution with some weight reduction. These assemblage of struts and cables can be applied under the beam to improve stiffness and strength under vertical load. In this paper, inelastic nonlinear analysis of beams with under-tension cables is presented. Both Total Lagrangian (TL) and Updated Lagrangian (UL) formulations are employed for geometric nonlinearity. Material nonlinearity for cables as well as the beam is included in the analytical model. The nonlinear finite element model has been developed for the analysis of under-tension structures. The nonlinear behavior of the beam with under-tension cables is investigated addressing the effect of number of struts, length of the struts to beams, magnitude of the cable pretension, and the size of the struts on the structural behavior.