PROBLEM 7.

115

Making use of the property established in Prob. 7.114, solve the

problem indicated by first solving the corresponding beam problem.
Prob. 7.89a.

SOLUTION

ΣM D = 0: ( 2 ft )( 450 lb ) + ( 6 ft )( 600 lb ) − (10 ft ) A By = 0

FBD Beam:
A By = 450 lb

ΣM B = 0: M B − ( 4 ft )( 450 lb ) = 0
Section AB:
M B = 1800 lb ⋅ ft

ΣM A = 0: (10 ft ) DCy − ( 8 ft )( 450 lb ) − ( 4 ft )( 600 lb ) = 0

Cable:
DCy = 600 lb

( Note: Dy > Ay so Tmax = TCD )

T0 = Tmax
2
− DCy
2

T0 = ( 720 lb )2 − ( 600 lb )2
T0 = 398 lb

M B 1800 lb ⋅ ft
dB = = = 4.523 ft
T0 398 lb

d B = 4.52 ft
 PROBLEM 7.116

Making use of the property established in Prob. 7.114, solve the problem
indicated by first solving the corresponding beam problem. Prob. 7.92b.

SOLUTION

ΣM E = 0: ( 2 ft )( 240 lb ) + ( 4 ft )( 720 lb )
FBD Beam:
+ ( 6 ft )( 360 lb ) − ( 8 ft ) ABy = 0

A By = 690 lb

ΣM B = 0: M B − ( 2 ft )( 690 lb ) = 0

M B = 1380 lb ⋅ ft

ΣM B = 0: M C + ( 2 ft )( 360 lb ) − ( 4 ft )( 690 lb ) = 0

M C = 2040 lb ⋅ ft

ΣM D = 0: M D + ( 2 ft )( 720 lb ) + ( 4 ft )( 360 lb )
− ( 6 ft )( 690 lb ) = 0

M D = 1260 lb ⋅ ft

hC = dC − 1.2 ft = 3.6 ft − 1.2 ft = 2.4 ft

MC 2040 lb ⋅ ft
T0 = = = 850 lb
hC 2.4 ft
Cable:
M B 1380 lb ⋅ ft
hB = = = 1.6235 ft
T0 850 lb

d B = hB + 0.6 ft d B = 2.22 ft

M D 1260 lb ⋅ ft
h0 = = = 1.482 ft
T0 850 lb

d B = h0 + 1.8 ft d D = 3.28 ft
 PROBLEM 7.117

Making use of the property established in Prob. 7.114, solve the

problem indicated by first solving the corresponding beam problem.
Prob. 7.94b.

SOLUTION

FBD Beam:

By symmetry: A By = F = 8 kN

M B = M E; MC = M D
AC:

ΣM C = 0: M C + ( 6 m )( 4 kN ) − (12 m )( 8 kN ) = 0

M C = 72 kN ⋅ m so M D = 72 kN ⋅ m

Cable:

Since M D = MC

hD = hC = 12 m − 3 m = 9 m

d D = hD + 2 m = 11 m

d D = 11.00 m
 PROBLEM 7.118

Making use of the property established in Prob. 7.114, solve the

problem indicated by first solving the corresponding beam problem.
Prob. 7.95b.

SOLUTION

FBD Beam:

By symmetry: M B = M E and MC = M D

Cable:

Since M D = M C , hD = hC

hD = hC = dC − 3 m = 9 m − 3 m = 6 m

Then d D = hD + 2 m = 6 m + 2 m = 8 m

d D = 8.00 m
 PROBLEM 7.119

Show that the curve assumed by a cable that carries a distributed load
w( x) is defined by the differential equation d 2 y / dx 2 = w( x ) / T0 ,
where T0 is the tension at the lowest point.

SOLUTION

ΣFy = 0: Ty ( x + ∆x ) − Ty ( x ) − w ( x ) ∆ x = 0
FBD Elemental segment:
Ty ( x + ∆x ) Ty ( x ) w( x)
So − = ∆x
T0 T0 T0

Ty dy
But =
T0 dx

dy dy
−
dx x + ∆x dx w( x)
So x
=
∆x T0

d2y w( x)
In lim : 2
= Q.E.D.
∆x → 0 dx T0
 PROBLEM 7.120

Using the property indicated in Prob. 7.119, determine the curve

assumed by a cable of span L and sag h carrying a distributed load
w = w0 cos(π x / L ) , where x is measured from mid-span. Also
determine the maximum and minimum values of the tension in
the cable.

SOLUTION

πx
w ( x ) = w0 cos
L

From Problem 7.119

d2y w( x) w πx
2
= = 0 cos
dx T0 T0 L

dy W0 L πx  dy 
So = sin  using = 0
dx T0π L  dx 0 

w0 L2  πx
y = 2 
1 − cos   using y ( 0 ) = 0 
T0π  L  

L w L2  π w0 L2
But y   = h = 0 2 1 − cos  so T0 =
2 T0π  2 π 2h

w0 L2
And T0 = Tmin so Tmin =
π 2h

TBy dy w0 L
Tmax = TA = TB : = =
T0 dx x = L2 T0π

w0 L
TBy =
π

2
w0 L  L 
TB = TBy
2
+ T02 = 1+  
π πh 
 PROBLEM 7.121

If the weight per unit length of the cable AB is w0 / cos 2 θ , prove

that the curve formed by the cable is a circular arc. (Hint: Use the
property indicated in Prob. 7.119.)

SOLUTION

Elemental Segment:

w0
Load on segment* w ( x ) dx = ds
cos 2 θ
w0
But dx = cosθ ds, so w( x) =
cos3 θ

d2y w( x) w0
From Problem 7.119 = =
dx 2 T0 T0 cos3 θ

d2y d  dy  d dθ
In general =  = ( tan θ ) = sec2 θ
dx 2
dx  dx  dx dx

dθ w0 w0
So = =
dx T0 cos θ sec θ
3 2
T0 cosθ

T0
or cosθ dθ = dx = rdθ cosθ
w0

T0
Giving r = = constant. So curve is circular arc Q.E.D.
w0

*For large sag, it is not appropriate to approximate ds by dx.

 PROBLEM 7.122

Two hikers are standing 30-ft apart and are holding the ends of a
35-ft length of rope as shown. Knowing that the weight per unit length
of the rope is 0.05 lb/ft, determine (a) the sag h, (b) the magnitude
of the force exerted on the hand of a hiker.

SOLUTION

Half-span:

35
w = 0.05 lb/ft, L = 30 ft, sB = ft
2

yB
sB = c sinh
xB

 15 ft 
17.5 ft = c sinh  
 c 

Solving numerically, c = 15.36 ft

xB 15 ft
Then yB = c cosh = (15.36 ft ) cosh = 23.28 ft
c 15.36 ft

(a) hB = yB − c = 23.28 ft − 15.36 ft = 7.92 ft

(b) TB = wyB = ( 0.05 lb/ft )( 23.28 ft ) = 1.164 lb

 PROBLEM 7.123

A 60-ft chain weighing 120 lb is suspended between two points at

the same elevation. Knowing that the sag is 24 ft, determine (a) the
distance between the supports, (b) the maximum tension in the chain.

SOLUTION

120 lb
sB = 30 ft, w= = 2 lb/ft
60 ft

L
hB = 24 ft, xB =
2

yB2 = c 2 + sB2 = ( hB + c )
2

= hB2 + 2chB + c 2

c=
sB2 − hB2
=
( 30 ft ) − ( 24 ft )
2 2

2hB 2 ( 24 ft )

c = 6.75 ft

xB s
Then sB = c sinh → xB = c sinh −1 B
c c

 30 ft 
xB = ( 6.75 ft ) sinh −1   = 14.83 ft
 6.75 ft 

(a) L = 2 xB = 29.7 ft

Tmax = TB = wyB = w ( c + hB ) = ( 2 lb/ft )( 6.75 ft + 24 ft ) = 61.5 lb

(b) Tmax = 61.5 lb

 PROBLEM 7.124

A 200-ft steel surveying tape weighs 4 lb. If the tape is stretched

between two points at the same elevation and pulled until the tension
at each end is 16 lb, determine the horizontal distance between the
ends of the tape. Neglect the elongation of the tape due to the tension.

SOLUTION

4 lb
sB = 100 ft, w= = 0.02 lb/ft
200 ft

Tmax = 16 lb

Tmax = TB = wyB

TB 16 lb
yB = = = 800 ft
w 0.02 lb/ft

c 2 = yB2 − sB2

c= (800 ft )2 − (100 ft )2 = 793.73 ft

xB y
But yB = xB cosh → xB = c cosh −1 B
c c

 800 ft 
= ( 793.73 ft ) cosh −1   = 99.74 ft
 793.73 ft 

L = 2 xB = 2 ( 99.74 ft ) = 199.5 ft
 PROBLEM 7.125

An electric transmission cable of length 130 m and mass per unit

length of 3.4 kg/m is suspended between two points at the same
elevation. Knowing that the sag is 30 m, determine the horizontal
distance between the supports and the maximum tension.

SOLUTION

sB = 65 m, hB = 30 m

( )
w = ( 3.4 kg/m ) 9.81 m/s 2 = 33.35 N/m

yB2 = c 2 + s 2B

( c + hB )2 = c 2 + sB2

c=
sB2 − hB2
=
( 65 m ) − ( 30 m )
2 2

2hB 2 ( 30 m )

= 55.417 m

xB s  65 m 
Now sB = c sinh → xB = c sinh −1 B = ( 55.417 m ) sinh −1  
c c  55.417 m 

= 55.335 m

L = 2 xB = 2 ( 55.335 m ) = 110.7 m

Tmax = wyB = w ( c + hB ) = ( 33.35 N/m )( 55.417 m + 30 m ) = 2846 N

Tmax = 2.85 kN
 PROBLEM 7.126

A 30-m length of wire having a mass per unit length of 0.3 kg/m is
attached to a fixed support at A and to a collar at B. Neglecting the
effect of friction, determine (a) the force P for which h = 12 m,
(b) the corresponding span L.

SOLUTION

FBD Cable:

 30 m 
s = 30 m  so sB = = 15 m 
 2 

( )
w = ( 0.3 kg/m ) 9.81 m/s 2 = 2.943 N/m

hB = 12 m

yB2 = ( c + hB ) = c 2 + s 2B
2

sB2 − hB2
So c=
2hB

c=
(15 m )2 − (12 m )2 = 3.375 m
2 (12 m )

xB s  15 m 
Now sB = c sinh → xB = c sinh −1 B = ( 3.375 m ) sinh −1  
c c  3.375 m 

xB = 7.4156 m

P = T0 = wc = ( 2.943 N/m )( 3.375 m ) (a) P = 9.93 N

L = 2 xB = 2 ( 7.4156 m ) (b) L = 14.83 m
 PROBLEM 7.127

A 30-m length of wire having a mass per unit length of 0.3 kg/m is
attached to a fixed support at A and to a collar at B. Knowing that the
magnitude of the horizontal force applied to the collar is P = 30 N,
determine (a) the sag h, (b) the corresponding span L.

SOLUTION

FBD Cable:

sT = 30 m, ( )
w = ( 0.3 kg/m ) 9.81 m/s 2 = 2.943 N/m

P
P = T0 = wc c=
w

30 N
c= = 10.1937 m
2.943 N/m

yB2 = ( hB + c ) = c 2 + sB2
2

30 m
h 2 + 2ch − sB2 = 0 sB = = 15 m
2

h 2 + 2 (10.1937 m ) h − 225 m 2 = 0

h = 7.9422 m (a) h = 7.94 m

xA s  15 m 
sB = c sinh → xB = c sinh −1 B = (10.1937 m ) sinh −1  
c c  10.1937 m 

= 12.017 m

L = 2 xB = 2 (12.017 m ) (b) L = 24.0 m

 PROBLEM 7.128

A 30-m length of wire having a mass per unit length of 0.3 kg/m is
attached to a fixed support at A and to a collar at B. Neglecting the
effect of friction, determine (a) the sag h for which L = 22.5 m,
(b) the corresponding force P.

SOLUTION

FBD Cable:

30 m
sT = 30 m → sB = = 15 m
2

( )
w = ( 0.3 kg/m ) 9.81 m/s 2 = 2.943 N/m

L = 22.5 m

xB L/2
sB = c sinh = c sinh
c c

11.25 m
15 m = c sinh
c

Solving numerically: c = 8.328 m

yB2 = c 2 + sB2 = ( 8.328 m ) + (15 m ) = 294.36 m 2

2 2
yB = 17.157 m

hB = yB − c = 17.157 m − 8.328 m

(a) hB = 8.83 m

P = wc = ( 2.943 N/m )( 8.328 m ) (b) P = 24.5 N

 PROBLEM 7.129

A 30-ft wire is suspended from two points at the same elevation

that are 20 ft apart. Knowing that the maximum tension is 80 lb,
determine (a) the sag of the wire, (b) the total weight of the wire.

SOLUTION

20 ft
L = 20 ft xB = = 10 ft
2

30 ft
sB = = 15 ft
2

xB 10 ft
sB = c sinh = c sinh
c c

Solving numerically: c = 6.1647 ft

xB  10 ft 
yB = c cosh = ( 6.1647 ft ) cosh  
c  1.1647 ft 

yB = 16.217 ft

hB = yB − c = 16.217 ft − 6.165 ft

(a) hB = 10.05 ft

Tmax = wyB and W = w ( 2 sB )

Tmax 80 lb
So W = ( 2sB ) = ( 30 ft ) (b) Wm = 148.0 lb
yB 16.217 ft
 PROBLEM 7.130

Determine the sag of a 45-ft chain which is attached to two points at

the same elevation that are 20 ft apart.

SOLUTION

45 ft
sB = = 22.5 ft L = 20 ft
2

L
xB = = 10 ft
2

xB
sB = c sinh
c

10 ft
22.5 ft = c sinh
c

Solving numerically: c = 4.2023 ft

xB
yB = c cosh
c
10 ft
= ( 4.2023 ft ) cosh = 22.889 ft
4.2023 ft

hB = yB − c = 22.889 ft − 4.202 ft

hB = 18.69 ft
 PROBLEM 7.131

A 10-m rope is attached to two supports A and B as shown.

Determine (a) the span of the rope for which the span is equal to
the sag, (b) the corresponding angle θB.

SOLUTION

x
We know y = c cosh
c
h
At B, yB = c + h = c cosh
2c
h h
or 1 = cosh −
2c c
h
Solving numerically = 4.933
c
xB s h
sB = c sinh → T = c sinh
c 2 2c
sT 10 m
So c= = = 0.8550 m
 h   4.933 
2sinh   2 sinh  
 2c   2 

h = 4.933c = 4.933 ( 0.8550 ) m = 4.218 m h = 4.22 m

(a) L = h = 4.22 m W

x dy x
From y = c cosh , = sinh
c dx c
dy L 4.933
At B, tan θ = = sinh = sinh = 5.848
dx B 2c 2

θ = tan −1 5.848 (b) θ = 80.3° W

 PROBLEM 7.132

A cable having a mass per unit length of 3 kg/m is suspended

between two points at the same elevation that are 48 m apart.
Determine the smallest allowable sag of the cable if the maximum
tension is not to exceed 1800 N.

SOLUTION

( )
w = ( 3 kg/m ) 9.81 m/s 2 = 29.43 N/m

L = 48 m, Tmax ≤ 1800 N

Tmax
Tmax = wyB → yB =
w
1800 N
yB ≤ = 61.162 m
29.43 N/m

xB 48m / 2
yB = c cosh 61.162 m = c cosh *
c c
Solving numerically c = 55.935 m

h = yB − c = 61.162 m − 55.935 m

h = 5.23 m W

*Note: There is another value of c which will satisfy this equation. It is much smaller, thus
corresponding to a much larger h.
 PROBLEM 7.133

An 8-m length of chain having a mass per unit length of 3.72 kg/m
is attached to a beam at A and passes over a small pulley at B as
shown. Neglecting the effect of friction, determine the values of
distance a for which the chain is in equilibrium.

SOLUTION

Neglect pulley size and friction TB = wa

But TB = wyB so yB = a

xB
yB = c cosh
c
1m
c cosh =a
c
xB 8m − a 1m
But sB = c sinh = c sinh
c 2 c
1m c 1m
So 4 m = c sinh + cosh
c 2 c

(
16 m = c 3e1/c − e−1/c )
Solving numerically c = 0.3773 m, 5.906 m

 1m
( 0.3773 m ) cosh 0.3773 m = 2.68 m W
1m 
a = c cosh =
c  ( 5.906 m ) cosh 1 m = 5.99 m W
 5.906 m
 PROBLEM 7.134

A motor M is used to slowly reel in the cable shown. Knowing that

the weight per unit length of the cable is 0.5 lb/ft, determine the
maximum tension in the cable when h = 15 ft.

SOLUTION

w = 0.5 lb/ft L = 30 ft hB = 15 ft

xB
yB = c cosh
c

L
hB + c = c cosh
2c

 15 ft 
15 ft = c  cosh − 1
 c 

Solving numerically c = 9.281 ft

15 ft
yB = ( 9.281 ft ) cosh = 24.281 ft
9.281 ft

Tmax = TB = wyB = ( 0.5 lb/ft )( 24.281 ft )

Tmax = 12.14 lb W
 PROBLEM 7.135

A motor M is used to slowly reel in the cable shown. Knowing that

the weight per unit length of the cable is 0.5 lb/ft, determine the
maximum tension in the cable when h = 9 ft.

SOLUTION

w = 0.5 lb/ft, L = 30 ft, hB = 9 ft

xB L
yB = hB + c = c cosh = c cosh
c 2c

 15 ft 
9 ft = c  cosh − 1
 c 

Solving numerically c = 13.783 ft

yB = hB + c = 9 ft + 13.783 ft = 21.783 ft

Tmax = TB = wyB = ( 0.5 lb/ft )( 21.78 ft )

Tmax = 11.39 lb W
 PROBLEM 7.136

To the left of point B the long cable ABDE rests on the rough
horizontal surface shown. Knowing that the weight per unit length
of the cable is 1.5 lb/ft, determine the force F when a = 10.8 ft.

SOLUTION

xD
yD = c cosh
c

a
h + c = c cosh
c

 10.8 m 
12 m = c  cosh − 1
 c 

Solving numerically c = 6.2136 m

10.8 m
Then yB = ( 6.2136 m ) cosh = 18.2136 m
6.2136 m

F = Tmax = wyB = (1.5 lb/ft )(18.2136 m )

F = 27.3 lb W
 PROBLEM 7.137

To the left of point B the long cable ABDE rests on the rough
horizontal surface shown. Knowing that the weight per unit length
of the cable is 1.5 lb/ft, determine the force F when a = 18 ft.

SOLUTION

xD
yD = c cosh
c

a
c + h = c cosh
c

 a 
h = c  cosh − 1
 c 

 18 ft 
12 ft = c  cosh − 1
 c 

Solving numerically c = 15.162 ft

yB = h + c = 12 ft + 15.162 ft = 27.162 ft

F = TD = wyD = (1.5 lb/ft )( 27.162 ft ) = 40.74 lb

F = 40.7 lb W
 PROBLEM 7.138

A uniform cable has a mass per unit length of 4 kg/m and is held in
the position shown by a horizontal force P applied at B. Knowing that
P = 800 N and θA = 60°, determine (a) the location of point B, (b) the
length of the cable.

SOLUTION

( )
w = 4 kg/m 9.81 m/s 2 = 39.24 N/m

P 800 N
P = T0 = wc c= =
w 39.24 N/m

c = 20.387 m

x
y = c cosh
c

dy x
= sinh
dx c

dy −a a
tan θ = − = − sinh = sinh
dx −a c c
a = c sinh −1 ( tan θ ) = ( 20.387 m ) sinh −1 ( tan 60° )
a = 26.849 m

a 26.849 m
y A = c cosh = ( 20.387 m ) cosh = 40.774 m
c 20.387 m

b = y A − c = 40.774 m − 20.387 m = 20.387 m

So (a) B is 26.8 m right and 20.4 m down from A W

a 26.849 m
s = c sinh = ( 20.387 m ) sinh = 35.31 m (b) s = 35.3 m W
c 20.387 m
 PROBLEM 7.139

A uniform cable having a mass per unit length of 4 kg/m is held in

the position shown by a horizontal force P applied at B. Knowing
that P = 600 N and θA = 60°, determine (a) the location of point B,
(b) the length of the cable.

SOLUTION

( )
w = ( 4 kg/m ) 9.81 m/s 2 = 39.24 N/m

P 600 N
P = T0 = wc c= =
w 39.24 N/m
c = 15.2905 m

x dy x
y = c cosh = sinh
c dx c
dy −a a
At A: tan θ = − = − sinh = sinh
dx −a c c

So a = c sinh −1 ( tan θ ) = (15.2905 m ) sinh −1 ( tan 60° ) = 20.137 m

a
yB = h + c = c cosh
c
 a 
h = c  cosh − 1
 c 
 20.137 m 
= (15.2905 m )  cosh − 1
 15.2905 m 
= 15.291 m
So (a) B is 20.1 m right and 15.29 m down from A

a 20.137 m
s = c sinh = (15.291 m ) sinh = 26.49 m (b) s = 26.5 m
c 15.291 m
 PROBLEM 7.140

The cable ACB weighs 0.3 lb/ft. Knowing that the lowest point of the
cable is located at a distance a = 1.8 ft below the support A, determine
(a) the location of the lowest point C, (b) the maximum tension in the
cable.

SOLUTION

−a
y A = c cosh = c + 1.8 ft
c

 1.8 ft 
a = c cosh −1 1 + 
 c 

b
yB = c cosh = c + 7.2 ft
c

 7.2 ft 
b = c cosh −1 1 + 
 c 

  1.8 ft  −1  7.2 ft  
But a + b = 36 ft = c cosh −1 1 +  + cosh  1 + 
  c   c  

Solving numerically c = 40.864 ft

 7.2 ft 
Then b = ( 40.864 ft ) cosh −1  1 +  = 23.92 ft
 40.864 ft 

(a) C is 23.9 ft left of and 7.20 ft below B W

Tmax = wyB = ( 0.3 lb/ft )( 40.864 ft + 7.2 ft ) (b) Tmax = 14.42 lb W

 PROBLEM 7.141

The cable ACB weighs 0.3 lb/ft. Knowing that the lowest point of
the cable is located at a distance a = 6 ft below the support A,
determine (a) the location of the lowest point C, (b) the maximum
tension in the cable.

SOLUTION

−a
y A = c cosh = c + 6 ft
c
 6 ft 
a = c cosh −1 1 + 
 c 

b
yB = c cosh = c + 11.4 ft
c
 11.4 ft 
b = c cosh −1 1 + 
 c 

  6 ft  −1  11.4 ft  
a + b = c cosh −1  1 +  + cosh  1 +  = 36 ft
c  
So
  c  
Solving numerically c = 20.446 ft

 11.4 ft 
b = ( 20.446 ft ) cosh −1 1 +  = 20.696 ft
 20.446 ft 
(a) C is 20.7 ft left of and 11.4 ft below B
 20.696 ft 
Tmax = wyB = ( 0.3 lb/ft )( 20.446 ft ) cosh   = 9.554 lb
 20.446 ft 
(b) Tmax = 9.55 lb
 PROBLEM 7.142

Denoting by θ the angle formed by a uniform cable and the horizontal,

show that at any point (a) s = c tan θ , (b) y = c sec θ .

SOLUTION

dy x
(a) tan θ = = sinh
dx c

x
s = c sinh = c tan θ Q.E.D.
c

(b) Also ( )
y 2 = s 2 + c 2 cosh 2 x = sinh 2 x + 1

So ( )
y 2 = c 2 tan 2 θ + 1 = c 2 sec2 θ

And y = c sec θ Q.E.D.

 PROBLEM 7.143

(a) Determine the maximum allowable horizontal span for a uniform

cable of mass per unit length m′ if the tension in the cable is not to
exceed a given value Tm . (b) Using the result of part a, determine the
maximum span of a steel wire for which m′ = 0.34 kg/m and
Tm = 32 kN.

SOLUTION

TB = Tmax = wyB

xB L  2c  L
= wc cosh = w   cosh
c 2 L  2c

L wL
Let ξ = so Tmax = cosh ξ
2c 2ξ

dTmax wL  1 
=  sinh ξ − cosh ξ 
dξ 2ξ  ξ 
1
For min Tmax , tanh ξ − =0
ξ
Solving numerically ξ = 1.1997

wL
(Tmax )min = cosh (1.1997 ) = 0.75444wL
2 (1.9997 )

Tmax T
(a) Lmax = = 1.3255 max
0.75444w w

If ( )
Tmax = 32 kN and w = ( 0.34 kg/m ) 9.81 m/s 2 = 3.3354 N/m

32.000 N
Lmax = 1.3255 = 12 717 m
3.3354 N/m
(b) Lmax = 12.72 km
 PROBLEM 7.144

A cable has a weight per unit length of 2 lb/ft and is supported as shown.
Knowing that the span L is 18 ft, determine the two values of the sag h
for which the maximum tension is 80 lb.

SOLUTION

L
ymax = c cosh =h+c
2c

Tmax
Tmax = wymax ymax =
w

80 lb
ymax = = 40 ft
2 lb/ft

9 ft
c cosh = 40 ft
c

Solving numerically c1 = 2.6388 ft

c2 = 38.958 ft

h = ymax − c

h1 = 40 ft − 2.6388 ft h1 = 37.4 ft

h2 = 40 ft − 38.958 ft h2 = 1.042 ft
 PROBLEM 7.145

Determine the sag-to-span ratio for which the maximum tension in

the cable is equal to the total weight of the entire cable AB.

SOLUTION

Tmax = wyB = 2wsB

y B = 2sB

L L
c cosh = 2c sinh
2c 2c

L 1
tanh =
2c 2

L 1
= tanh −1 = 0.549306
2c 2

hB y −c L
= B = cosh −1
c c 2c

= 0.154701

hB hB / c
=
L 2( L / 2c)

0.5 ( 0.154701)
= = 0.14081
0.549306

hB
= 0.1408
L