Cable tension estimation by Rayleigh’s method considering restraint boundary conditions

Abstract

This paper introduces a method for accurately estimating cable tension, combining the energy approach with the cable’s mode shape. The method simultaneously accounts for the bending rigidity of the cable and the rotational stiffness at both ends. Rayleigh’s energy-based method is applied to analytically derive a formula for cable tension, while the mode shape is approximated using a nonlinear regression analysis algorithm. The accuracy of the method is validated through comparison with available experimental data. The approach is applied to the An Dong Extradosed Bridge in Vietnam, demonstrating its effectiveness in evaluating cable forces for similar bridge structures. Notably, a significant difference of up to 13.13% in cable forces is observed when considering the rotational stiffness at cable ends, highlighting the importance of this factor in structural analysis.