Analyzing the Form-Finding of a Large-Span Transversely Stiffened Suspended Cable System: A Method Considering Construction Processes

The precise control of the shape of transversely stiffened suspended cable systems is crucial. However, existing form-finding methods primarily rely on iterative calculations that treat loads as fixed known conditions. These methods are inefficient and fail to accurately control shape results. In this study, we propose a form-finding method that analyzes the load response of models under different sag and stress levels, taking into account the construction process. To analyze the system, a structural finite element model was established in ANSYS, and geometric nonlinear analysis was conducted using the Newton-Raphson method. The form-finding analysis results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves precise control of shape, with a maximum shape error ranging from 0.33% to 0.98%. Furthermore, the relationships between loads and tension forces are influenced by the deformed shape of the structures, exhibiting significant geometric nonlinear characteristics. Meanwhile, the load response analysis reveals that the stress level of the self-equilibrium state in the transversely stiffened suspended cable system is primarily governed by strength criteria, while shape is predominantly controlled by stiffness criteria. Importantly, by simulating the initial tensioning process as an initial condition, this method solves for a counterweight that satisfies the requirements and achieves a self-equilibrium state with the desired shape. The shape of the self-equilibrium state is precisely controlled by simulating the construction process. Overall, this work presents a new method for analyzing the form-finding process of large-span transversely stiffened suspended cable system, considering the construction process which was often overlooked in previous studies.

Numerical simulation of the mechanical behavior of superconducting tape in conductor on round core cable using the cohesive zone model

Cables composed of rare-earth barium copper oxide(REBCO)tapes have been extensively used in various superconducting devices.In recent years,conductor on round core(CORC)cable has drawn the attention of researchers with its outstanding current-carrying capacity and mechanical properties.The REBCO tapes are wound spirally on the surface of CORC cable.Under extreme loadings,the REBCO tapes with layered composite structures are vulnerable,which can lead to degradation of critical current and even quenching of superconducting devices.In this paper,we simulate the deformation of CORC cable under external loads,and analyze the damage inside the tape with the cohesive zone model(CZM).Firstly,the fabrication and cabling of CORC are simulated,and the stresses and strains generated in the tape are extracted as the initial condition of the next step.Then,the tension and bending loads are applied to CORC cable,and the damage distribution inside the tape is presented.In addition,the effects of some parameters on the damage are discussed during the bending simulations.

Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis of Ocean Cables

This study has focused on developing numerical procedures for the dynamic nonlinear analysis of cable structures subjected to wave forces and ground motions in the ocean. A geometrically nonlinear finite element procedure using the isoparametric curved cable element based on the Lagrangian formulation is briefly summarized. A simple and accurate method to determine the initial equilibrium state of cable systems associated with self-weights, buoyancy and the motion of end points is presented using the load incremental method combined with penalty method. Also the Newmark method is used for dynamic nonlinear analysis of ocean cables. Numerical examples are presented to validate the present numerical method.

A novel four-node quadrilateral element with continuous nodal stress

Formulation and numerical evaluation of a novel four-node quadrilateral element with continuous nodal stress（Q4-CNS）are presented.Q4-CNS can be regarded as an improved hybrid FE-meshless four-node quadrilateral element（FE-LSPIM QUAD4）, which is a hybrid FE-meshless method.Derivatives of Q4-CNS are continuous at nodes, so the continuous nodal stress can be obtained without any smoothing operation.It is found that,compared with the standard four-node quadrilateral element（QUAD4）,Q4- CNS can achieve significantly better accuracy and higher convergence rate.It is also found that Q4-CNS exhibits high tolerance to mesh distortion.Moreover,since derivatives of Q4-CNS shape functions are continuous at nodes,Q4-CNS is potentially useful for the problem of bending plate and shell models.

Mechanical response of transmission lines based on sliding cable element

In order to study the sliding characteristics when the cable is connected with the other rods in the transmission line structures,a linear sliding cable element based on updated Lagrangian formulation and a sliding catenary element considering the out-of-plane stiffness coefficient are put forward.A two-span and a three-span cable structures are taken as examples to verify the sliding cable elements.By comparing the tensions of the two proposed cable elements with the existing research results,the error is less than 1%,which proves the correctness of the proposed elements.The sliding characteristics should be considered in the practical engineering because of the significant difference between the tensions of sliding cable elements and those of cable element without considering sliding.The out-of-plane stiffness coefficient and friction characteristics do not obviously affect the cable tensions.

A CATENARY ELEMENT FOR THE ANALYSIS OF CABLE STRUCTURES

Based on analytical equations, a cat ena ry element is presented for the finite element analysis of cable structures. Com pared with usually used element(3_node element, 5_node element), a program with the proposed element is of less computer time and better accuracy.

Dynamic analysis of beam-cable coupled systems using Chebyshev spectral element method

The dynamic characteristics of a beam-cable coupled system are investigated using an improved Chebyshev spectral element method in order to observe the effects of adding cables on the beam. The system is modeled as a double Timoshenko beam system interconnected by discrete springs. Utilizing Chebyshev series expansion and meshing the system according to the locations of its connections, numerical results of the natural frequencies and mode shapes are obtained using only a few elements, and the results are validated by comparing them with the results of a finite-element method. Then the effects of the cable parameters and layout of connections on the natural frequencies and mode shapes of a fixed-pinned beam are studied. The results show that the modes of a beam-cable coupled system can be classified into two types, beam mode and cable mode, according to the dominant deformation. To avoid undesirable vibrations of the cable, its parameters should be controlled in a reasonable range, or the layout of the connections should be optimized.

Modelling of URM Walls Retrofitted with Cable: A Comparison Between a Basic Mechanical Model and Distinct Element Method

The Australian love of 'heritage' buildings (most of them are unreinforced masonry (URM)) means that greater attention is required to secure their performance under seismic or impact loading in the future. A research project has been carried out to develop a new, economic and high strength retrofitting technique for masonry structures. A series of experimental testing on URM walls retrofitted with an innovative technique by cable system have been conducted. In this paper, an analytical model which is based on distinct element method (DEM) is developed to simulate the behaviour of retrofitted walls. In DEM, a solid is represented as an assembly of discrete blocks. Joints are modelled as interface between distinct bodies. It is a dynamic process and specially designed to model the behaviour of discontinuities. In order to assist the practising engineers to design this new retrofitted wall system, a simple mechanical model was also developed to predict the strength of the retrofitted walls. The results obtained from this simple mechanical model are compared with those from both experiments and distinct element model.

Cable Sliding at Supports in Cable Structures

To develop an effective numerical method for the cable sliding problem in cable structures, two-node catenary cable element was built to model the cables based on analytical solution of elastic catenary. Cooperated with Newton method, continuation method was used to solve the nonlinear equations. This approach is more efficient than using Newton method only and has a wider range to select initial values for the process to converge. The relationship between the tension on a cable segment and its unstrained length was derived and used to calculate the unbalanced cable tensions at the supports. An example is presented to show the correctness and efficiency of the proposed method.

Research on Simulation Methods of Electric Field Intensity on Surface of 10 kV Cable Joint

The electric field intensity (EFI) is important characteristic quantity for evaluating the internal insulation state of cable joints. Based on finite element method, this paper proposes two EFI research methods, field-circuit coupling method and equivalent circuit method. The average EFI of the inner surface of the outer semi-conducting shield can be calculated from the current in the measuring circuit. The relative error between these two methods is about 15%, which roughly proves the consistency of the two methods. Further practical application research enables online monitoring of cable joints.

Design and application of structural health monitoring system in long-span cable-membrane structure

Cable-membrane structures have small rigidity and are highly sensitive to wind. Structural health monitoring is necessary to ensure the serviceability and safety of the structure. In this research, the design method of a structural health monitoring system is using the characteristics of a cable-membrane structure. Taking the Yueyang Sanhe Airport Terminal as an example, a finite element model is established to determine the critical structural components. Next, the engineering requirements and the framework of the monitoring system are studied based on the results of numerical analysis. The specific implementation of the structural health monitoring is then carried out, which includes sensor selection, installation and wiring. The proposed framework is successfully applied to the monitoring system for the Yueyang Airport terminal building, and the synchronous acquisition of fiber Bragg grating and acceleration sensor signals is implemented in an innovative way. The successful implementation and operation of structural health monitoring will help to guarantee the safety of the cablemembrane structure during its service life.

Modeling of cable vibration effects of cable-stayed bridges

The analysis of dynamic responses of cable-stayed bridges subjected to wind and earthquake loads generally considers only the motions of the bridge deck and pylons.The influence of the stay cable vibration on the responses of the bridge is either ignored or considered by approximate procedures.The transverse vibration of the stay cables,which can be significant in some cases,are usually neglected in previous research.In the present study,a new three-node cable element has been developed to model the transverse motions of the cables.The interactions between the cable behavior and the other parts of the bridge superstructure are considered by the concept of dynamic stiffness.The nonlinear effect of the cable caused by its self-weight is included in the formulation.Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed model. The impact of cable vibration behavior on the dynamic characteristics of cable-stayed bridges is discussed.

Dynamic analysis and modal test of long-span cable-stayed bridge based on ambient excitation

To study the stiffness distribution of girder and the method to identify modal parameters of cable-stayed bridge, a simplified dynamical finite element method model named three beams model was established for the girder with double ribs. Based on the simplified model four stiffness formulae were deduced according to Hamilton principle. These formulae reflect well the contribution of the flexural, shearing, free torsion and restricted torsion deformation, respectively. An identification method about modal parameters was put forward by combining method of peak value and power spectral density according to modal test under ambient excitation. The dynamic finite element method analysis and modal test were carried out in a long-span concrete cable-stayed bridge. The results show that the errors of frequencies between theoretical analysis and test results are less than 10% mostly, and the most important modal parameters for cable-stayed bridge are determined to be the longitudinal floating mode, the first vertical flexural mode and the first torsional mode, which demonstrate that the method of stiffness distribution for three beams model is accurate and method to identify modal parameters is effective under ambient excitation modal test.

Infl uence of structural parameters on dynamic characteristics and wind-induced buffeting responses of a super-long-span cable-stayed bridge

A 3D finite element （FE） model for the Sutong cable-stayed bridge （SCB） is established based on ANSYS. The dynamic characteristics of the bridge are analyzed using a subspace iteration method. Based on recorded wind data, the measured spectra expression is presented using the nonlinear least-squares regression method. Turbulent winds at the bridge site are simulated based on the spectral representation method and the FFT technique. The influence of some key structural parameters and measures on the dynamic characteristics of the bridge are investigated. These parameters include dead load intensity, as well as vertical, lateral and torsional stiffness of the steel box girder. In addition, the influence of elastic stiffness of the connection device employed between the towers and the girder on the vibration mode of the steel box girder is investigated. The analysis shows that all of the vertical, lateral and torsional buffeting displacement responses reduce gradually as the dead load intensity increases. The dynamic characteristics and the structural buffeting displacement response of the SCB are only slightly affected by the vertical and torsional stiffness of the steel box girder, and the lateral and torsional buffeting displacement responses reduce gradually as the lateral stiffness increases. These results provide a reference for dynamic analysis and design of super-long-span cable-stayed bridges.

Cable flexural rigidity influence on suspension bridges static properties

In order to figure out the cable flexural rigidity influence on suspension bridges,a contrast model experiment is made:a chain cable model with no flexural rigidity and a wire cable model with some flexural rigidity.And then,four finite element models of a same long-span suspension bridge with different cable element are set up to be analyzed.Both experimental and numerical simulation results show that,with the increase of the span and the decrease of sag-span ratio,the influence of the cable flexural rigidity is significant.The difference of nodes displacement reaches more than 10 cm in construction analysis,which will bring some trouble to the construction.And the difference of the maximum section edge normal stress may reach 15%,which may have an adverse impact onto the bridge.Therefore,considering the cable flexural rigidity is necessary on some analysis of suspension bridges.

Nonlinear Switching Transient Field Simulation of Cable Joint without Residual Charge

The analysis of the impulse voltage on the internal electric field of the cable joint plays a key role in studying the breakdown of the joint. Based on the finite element method, a three-dimensional electromagnetic field simulation model of the cable joint is established in this paper. Simulation results show that the voltage at the head of the cable joint reaches about twice the impulse voltage. The increase of the conductivity of semi-conductive material also leads to the increase of electric field intensity. Then, several points and curves at different positions are selected for further analysis in this paper. Among them, the electric field distortion at the edge of the high voltage shield is the most serious and the electric field in the air gap is the least.

An In-depth Analysis for Optimal Cable Tray Support Span

Nowadays,it is crucial to reduce the cost of the overall project so that the competitiveness of offshore oil and gas without compromising on quality or safety can be achieved.This study investigates how to define the longest cable tray support span considering constructability in order to reduce the number of supports which is a chief cost of a cable tray system.This study presents not only material and geometry frequently used for cable tray but also the formula to estimate the maximum cable load which can be installed within cable tray.To verify the longest span without increasing the crosssection of cable tray,finite element modelling approach was employed based on ANSYS and comparisons were made between numerical analysis and simplified hand calculation.The constructability for the longer span obtained from finite element analysis has been validated in view of manual handling of the cable tray.It is shown that the optimal span suggested in this paper can lead to a better economic benefit without degrading the constructability.For instance,as the span is longer,the cost of material as well as construction manpower can be saved.It is also expected that this approach will contribute to enhance the competitiveness of offshore oil and gas.

Cross spectral energy method for damage assessment of the cable-stayed bridge under operational conditions

The new cross spectral energy method(CSEM)is proposed for maintaining cable-stayed bridge safe-ty by the measurable output-only vibration response.Damage assessment of real structures is limited by aseries of problems such as unknown ambient excitation forces,errors introduced by system identification,incomplete dynamic measurements,etc.Thus the methodology based on cross spectral energy of eachsubstructure member is derived to meet these challenges.The novel damage index does not require anymodal or parameter identification technology.It can be calculated directly from vibration test data.In or-der to evaluate the efficiency of the presented methodology,a three dimensional(3D)actual cable-stayedbridge model with one or more damaged positions under operational conditions was studied.In order totestify the reliability of damage detection method,the response data was polluted by the random noise.Itis proved that the proposed method can successfully localize all damage cases even in noisy data.Withthe help of examples,the CSEM can potentially be applied as a nondestructive evaluation technique(NDT)for on-line health monitoring of cable-stayed bridges with minimum disruption of its operations.