Cable Tent Structure
Cable Tent Structure
(OP)
Does anyone have any suggestions for the design of a cable supported mesh structure without using finite elements. It is a 100' diameter, 8 sided plan view with a central mast. In other words, how would we have done this 25 years ago. The simplified hand calculation method is what I am looking for. Any help is greatly appreciated.
RE: Cable Tent Structure
1) 2 cables
2) 3 cables
3) maybe even 1 cable
would have been understood to take the total wind load.
Vertical loads and for some hypothesis that of wind would be distributed between a number of cables.
Safe assumption of the forces would be made, given the possibility of concave zones forming. Examination would be made of any possible snow loads standing.
This would oblige compatibility of stresses wehn more than one, according to the geometry. To dismiss secondary stressing from anchors and bends big safety factors, in the range of 5 to 8 would be used. Contemplation of prestress if any would be made. And of course vert careful design of the mast would be made, usually with maybe as well bigger safety factors than usual for buildings. Capacity of the details better would have taken from look-up experimental tables, if available.
RE: Cable Tent Structure
Carl Bauer
www.bauerconsultbotswana.com