PROBLEM 7.

88

Two loads are suspended as shown from cable ABCD. Knowing

that dC = 1.5 ft, determine (a) the distance dB, (b) the components
of the reaction at A, (c) the maximum tension in the cable.

SOLUTION

FBD cable: ΣM A = 0: (10 ft ) Dy − 8 ft ( 450 lb ) − 4 ft ( 600 lb ) = 0

Dy = 600 1b

ΣFy = 0: Ay + 600 lb − 600 lb − 450 lb = 0

Ay = 450 lb

ΣFx = 0: Ax − Dx = 0 (1)

FBD pt D: 600 lb D T
= x = CD : Dx = 800 lb = Ax
3 4 5
So
And TCD = 1000 lb

800 lb 450 lb
=
FBD pt A: 4 ft dB

(a) d B = 2.25 ft

(b) A x = 800 lb

A y = 450 lb

TAB = (800 lb )2 + ( 450 lb )2 = 918 lb

So (c) Tmax = TCD = 1000 lb

Note: TCD is Tmax as cable slope is largest in section CD.

 PROBLEM 7.89

Two loads are suspended as shown from cable ABCD. Knowing that the
maximum tension in the cable is 720 lb, determine (a) the distance dB,
(b) the distance dC.

SOLUTION

FBD cable: ΣM A = 0: (10 ft ) Dy − ( 8 ft )( 450 lb ) − ( 4 ft )( 600 lb ) = 0

D y = 600 1b

ΣFy = 0: Ay + 600 lb − 600 lb − 450 lb = 0

A y = 450 lb
FBD pt D: ΣFx = 0: Ax − Bx = 0

Since Ax = Bx ; And Dy > Ay , Tension TCD > TAB

So TCD = Tmax = 720 lb

Dx = ( 720 lb )2 − ( 600 lb )2 = 398 lb = Ax

dC 2ft
= dC = 3.015 ft
600 lb 398lb

FBD pt. A: dB 4ft

= (a) d B = 4.52 ft
450 lb 398lb

(b) dC = 3.02 ft
 PROBLEM 7.90

Knowing that dC = 4 m, determine (a) the reaction at A, (b) the reaction

at E.

SOLUTION

(a) FBD cable:

ΣM E = 0: ( 4 m )(1.2 kN ) + (8 m )( 0.8 kN ) + (12 m )(1.2 kN )
− ( 3 m ) Ax − (16 m ) Ay = 0
3 Ax + 16 Ay = 25.6 kN (1)

FBD ABC:
ΣM C = 0: ( 4 m )(1.2 kN ) + (1 m ) Ax − ( 8 m ) Ay = 0
Ax − 8 Ay = −4.8 kN (2)
Solving (1) and (2) Ax = 3.2 kN Ay = 1 kN

So A = 3.35 kN 17.35°

(b) cable: ΣFx = 0: − Ax + Ex = 0

Ex = Ax = 3.2 kN

ΣFy = 0: Ay − (1.2 + 0.8 + 1.2 ) kN + E y = 0

E y = 3.2 kN − Ay = ( 3.2 − 1) kN = 2.2 kN

So E = 3.88 kN 34.5°
 PROBLEM 7.91

Knowing that dC = 2.25 m, determine (a) the reaction at A, (b) the

reaction at E.

SOLUTION

(a) ΣM E = 0: ( 4 m )(1.2 kN ) + ( 8 m )( 0.8 kN )

FBD Cable:
+ (12 m )(1.2 kN ) − (3 m) Ax − (16 m ) Ay = 0

3 Ax + 16 Ay = 25.6 kN (1)

ΣM C = 0: ( 4 m )(1.2 kN ) − ( 0.75 m ) Ax − ( 8 m ) Ay = 0

FBD ABC: 0.75 Ax + 8 Ay = 4.8 kN (2)

32
Solving (1) and (2) Ax = kN, Ay = − 0.4 kN
3

So A = 10.67 kN 2.15°

Note: this implies d B < 3 m (in fact d B = 2.85 m)

32 32
(b) FBD cable: ΣFx = 0: − kN + Ex = 0 Ex = kN
3 3

ΣFy = 0: − 0.4 kN − 1.2 kN − 0.8 kN − 1.2 kN + E y = 0

E y = 3.6 kN

E = 11.26 kN 18.65°
 PROBLEM 7.92

Cable ABCDE supports three loads as shown. Knowing that

dC = 3.6 ft, determine (a) the reaction at E, (b) the distances
dB and dD.

SOLUTION

FBD Cable:
(a) ΣM A = 0: ( 2.4 ft ) Ex + ( 8 ft ) E y − ( 2 ft )( 360 )
− ( 4 ft )( 720 lb ) − ( 6 ft )( 240 lb ) = 0

0.3Ex + E y = 630 lb (1)

ΣM C = 0: − (1.2 ft ) Ex + ( 4 ft ) E y − ( 2 ft )( 240 lb ) = 0
FBD CDE:
− 0.3Ex + E y = +120 lb (2)

Solving (1) and (2) Ex = 850 lb E y = 375 lb

(a) E = 929 lb 23.8°

(b) cable: ΣFx = 0: − Ax + Ex = 0 Ax = Ex = 850 lb

ΣFy = 0: Ay − 360 lb − 720 lb − 240 lb + 375 lb = 0

Point A: Ay = 945 lb

dB 945 lb
= d B = 2.22 ft
2 ft 850 lb
 PROBLEM 7.92 CONTINUED

ΣM D = 0: ( 2 ft )( 375 lb ) − ( d D − 2.4 ft )( 850 lb ) = 0

Segment DE: d D = 3.28 ft

 PROBLEM 7.93

Cable ABCDE supports three loads as shown. Determine (a) the

distance dC for which portion CD of the cable is horizontal, (b) the
corresponding reactions at the supports.

SOLUTION

Segment DE:
ΣFy = 0: E y − 240 lb = 0 E y = 240 lb

ΣM A = ( 2.4 ft ) Ex + ( 8 ft )( 240 lb ) − ( 6 ft )( 240 lb )

FBD Cable:
− ( 4 ft )( 720 lb ) − ( 2 ft )( 360 lb ) = 0

E x = 1300 lb

So

From Segment DE:

ΣM D = 0: ( 2 ft ) E y − ( dC − 2.4 ft ) Ex = 0

Ey 240 lb
dC = 2.4 ft + ( 2 ft ) = ( 2.4 ft ) + ( 2 ft ) = 2.7692 ft
Ex 1300 lb

(a) dC = 2.77 ft

From FBD Cable:

ΣFx = 0: − Ax + Ex = 0 A x = 1300 lb

ΣFy = 0: Ay − 360 lb − 720 lb − 240 lb + E y = 0

A y = 1080 lb

(b) A = 1.690 kips 39.7°

E = 1.322 kips 10.46°

 PROBLEM 7.94

An oil pipeline is supported at 6-m intervals by vertical hangers

attached to the cable shown. Due to the combined weight of the
pipe and its contents, the tension in each hanger is 4 kN. Knowing
that dC = 12 m, determine (a) the maximum tension in the cable,
(b) the distance d D .

SOLUTION

Note: A y and Fy shown are forces on cable, assuming the 4 kN loads

FBD Cable:
at A and F act on supports.

ΣM F = 0: ( 6 m ) 1( 4 kN ) + 2 ( 4 kN ) + 3 ( 4 kN ) + 4 ( 4 kN ) 
− ( 30 m ) Ay − ( 5 m ) Ax = 0

Ax + 6 Ay = 48 kN (1)

FBD ABC: ΣM C = 0: ( 6 m )( 4 kN ) + ( 7 m ) Ax − (12 m ) Ay = 0

7 Ax − 12 Ay = −24 kN (2)

20
Solving (1) and (2) A x = 8 kN Ay = kN
3

From FBD Cable:

ΣFx = 0: − Ax + Fx = 0 Fx = Ax = 8 kN

ΣFy = 0: Ay − 4 ( 4 kN ) + Fy = 0

 20  28
Fy = 16 kN − Ay = 16 −  kN = kN > Ay
 3  3

So TEF > TAB Tmax = TEF = Fx2 + Fy2

FBD DEF:
2
 28 
(a) Tmax = (18 kN ) 2
+ kN  = 12.29 kN
 3 

 28 
ΣM D = 0: (12 m )  kN  − d D ( 8 kN ) − ( 6 m )( 4 kN ) = 0
 3 

(b) d D = 11.00 m
 PROBLEM 7.95

Solve Prob. 7.94 assuming that dC = 9 m.

SOLUTION

Note: 4 kN loads at A and F act directly on supports, not on cable.

FBD Cable:
ΣM A = 0: ( 30 m ) Fy − ( 5 m ) Fx

− ( 6 m ) 1( 4 kN ) + 2 ( 4 kN ) + 3 ( 4 kN ) + 4 ( 4 kN )  = 0

Fx − 6 Fy = −48 kN (1)

ΣM C = 0: (18 ) Fy − ( 9 m ) Fx − (12 m )( 4 kN ) − ( 6 m )( 4 kN ) = 0
FBD CDEF:
Fx − 2Fy = −8 kN (2)

Solving (1) and (2) Fx = 12 kN Fy = 10 kN

TEF = (10 kN )2 + (12 kN )2 = 15.62 kN

Since slope EF > slope AB this is Tmax

(a) Tmax = 15.62 kN

Also could note from FBD cable

ΣFy = 0: Ay + Fy − 4 ( 4 kN ) = 0

Ay = 16 kN − 12 kN = 4 kN

Thus Ay < Fy and TAB < TEF

FBD DEF:
(b) ΣM D = 0: (12 m )(10 kN ) − d D (12 kN ) − ( 6 m )( 4 kN ) = 0

d D = 8.00 m
 PROBLEM 7.96

Cable ABC supports two boxes as shown. Knowing that b = 3.6 m,

determine (a) the required magnitude of the horizontal force P,
(b) the corresponding distance a.

SOLUTION

FBD BC:
( )
W = ( 8 kg ) 9.81 m/s 2 = 78.48 N

3W
ΣM A = 0: ( 3.6 m ) P − ( 2.4 m ) − aW = 0
2

 a 
P = W 1 +  (1)
 3.6 m 

ΣFx = 0: −T1x + P = 0 T1x = P

3 5W
ΣFy = 0: T1y − W − W =0 T1 y =
2 2

T1 y 2.8 m 5W 2.8 m
But = so =
T1x a 2P a

5Wa
P= (2)
5.6 m

Solving (1) and (2): a = 1.6258 m, P = 1.4516W

So (a) P = 1.4516 ( 78.48 ) = 113.9 N

(b) a = 1.626 m
 PROBLEM 7.97

Cable ABC supports two boxes as shown. Determine the distances

a and b when a horizontal force P of magnitude 100 N is applied at C.

SOLUTION

FBD pt C:

Segment BC:
2.4 m − a 0.8 m
=
100 N 117.72 N

a = 1.7204 m

a = 1.720 m

ΣM A = 0: b (100 N ) − ( 2.4 m )(117.72 N )

2 
− (1.7204 m )  117.72 N  = 0
3 

b = 4.1754 m

b = 4.18 m
 PROBLEM 7.98

Knowing that WB = 150 lb and WC = 50 lb, determine the magnitude

of the force P required to maintain equilibrium.

SOLUTION

FBD CD:
ΣM C = 0: (12 ft ) Dy − ( 9 ft ) Dx = 0

3Dx = 4 Dy (1)

ΣM B = 0: ( 30 ft ) D y − (15 ft ) Dx − (18 ft )( 50 lb ) = 0
FBD BCD:
2D y − Dx = 60 lb (2)

Solving (1) and (2) D x = 120 lb D y = 90 lb

FBD Cable:
ΣM A = 0: ( 42 ft )( 90 lb ) − ( 30 ft )( 50 lb )
− (12 ft )(150 lb ) − (15 ft ) P = 0

P = 32.0 lb
 PROBLEM 7.99

Knowing that WB = 40 lb and WC = 22 lb, determine the magnitude

of the force P required to maintain equilibrium.

SOLUTION

FBD CD:
ΣM C = 0: (12 ft ) Dy − ( 9 ft ) Dx = 0

4D y = 3Dx (1)

ΣM B = 0: ( 30 ft ) D y − (15 ft ) Dx − (18 ft )( 22 lb ) = 0
FBD BCD:
10 Dy − 5Dx = 132 lb (2)

Solving (1) and (2) D x = 52.8 lb D y = 39.6 lb

FBD Whole:
ΣM A = 0: ( 42 ft )( 39.6 lb ) − ( 30 ft )( 22 lb )
− (12 ft )( 40 lb ) − (15 ft ) P = 0

P = 34.9 lb
 PROBLEM 7.100

If a = 4.5 m, determine the magnitudes of P and Q required to

maintain the cable in the shape shown.

SOLUTION

By symmetry: TBC = TCD = T

FBD pt C:
 1 
ΣFy = 0: 2  T  − 180 kN = 0 T = 90 5 kN
 5 

Tx = 180 kN Ty = 90 kN

Segment DE:

ΣM E = 0: ( 7.5 m )( P − 180 kN ) + ( 6 m )( 90 kN ) = 0

P = 108.0 kN

Segment AB:
ΣM A = 0: ( 4.5 m )(180 kN ) − ( 6 m )( Q + 90 kN ) = 0

Q = 45.0 kN
 PROBLEM 7.101

If a = 6 m, determine the magnitudes of P and Q required to maintain the

cable in the shape shown.

SOLUTION
FBD pt C: By symmetry: TBC = TCD = T
 1 
ΣFy = 0: 2  T  − 180 kN = 0 T = 90 5 kN
 5 
Tx = 180 kN Ty = 90 kN

FBD DE:

ΣM E = 0: ( 9 m )( P − 180 kN ) + ( 6 m )( 90 kN ) = 0

P = 120.0 kN

FBD AB:

ΣM A = 0: ( 6 m )(180 kN ) − ( 6 m )( Q + 90 kN ) = 0

Q = 90.0 kN
 PROBLEM 7.102

A transmission cable having a mass per unit length of 1 kg/m is strung

between two insulators at the same elevation that are 60 m apart. Knowing
that the sag of the cable is 1.2 m, determine (a) the maximum tension in
the cable, (b) the length of the cable.

SOLUTION

(a) Since h = 1.2 m  L = 30 m we can approximate the load as evenly distributed in the horizontal
direction.

( )
w = 1 kg/m 9.81 m/s 2 = 9.81 N/m.

w = ( 60 m )( 9.81 N/m )
w = 588.6 N
1
Also we can assume that the weight of half the cable acts at the chord point.
4
FBD half-cable:

ΣM B = 0: (15 m )( 294.3 N ) − (1.2 m ) Tmin = 0

Tmin = 3678.75 N = Tmax x

ΣFy = 0: Tmax y − 294.3 N = 0

Tmax y = 294.3 N

Tmax = 3690.5 N

Tmax = 3.69 kN

 2 y 
2
2 y 
4 
(b) sB = xB 1 +  B  −  B  + "
 3  xB  5  xB  
 

 2  1.2 
2
2  1.2 
4 
= ( 30 m ) 1 +   −   + " = 30.048 m so s = 2sB = 60.096 m
 3  30  5  30  

s = 60.1 m
Note: The more accurate methods of section 7.10, which assume the load is evenly distributed along the length
instead of horizontally, yield Tmax = 3690.5 N and s = 60.06 m. Answers agree to 3 digits at least.
 PROBLEM 7.103

Two cables of the same gauge are attached to a transmission tower at B.

Since the tower is slender, the horizontal component of the resultant of
the forces exerted by the cables at B is to be zero. Knowing that the mass
per unit length of the cables is 0.4 kg/m, determine (a) the required sag h,
(b) the maximum tension in each cable.

SOLUTION

Half-cable FBDs:

T1x = T2 x to create zero horizontal force on tower → thus T01 = T02

FBD I: ΣM B = 0: (15 m )  w ( 30 m )  − h1T0 = 0

h1 =
( 450 m ) w
2

T0

FBD II: ΣM B = 0: ( 2 m ) T0 − (10 m )  w ( 20 m )  = 0

T0 = (100 m ) w

(a) h1 =
( 450 m ) w = 4.50 m
2

(100 m ) w
FBD I: ΣFx = 0: T1x − T0 = 0
T1x = (100 m ) w

ΣFy = 0: T1y − ( 30 m ) w = 0

T1y = ( 30 m ) w

T1 = (100 m )2 + ( 30 m )2 w
(
= (104.4 m )( 0.4 kg/m ) 9.81 m/s 2 )
= 409.7 N
 PROBLEM 7.103 CONTINUED

FBD II: ΣFy = 0: T2y − ( 20 m ) w = 0

T2y = ( 20 m ) w

T2 x = T1x = (100 m ) w

T2 = (100 m )2 + ( 20 m )2 w = 400.17 N
(b) T1 = 410 N

T2 = 400 N

*
Since h  L it is reasonable to approximate the cable weight as being distributed uniformly along the
horizontal. The methods of section 7.10 are more accurate for cables sagging under their own weight.
 PROBLEM 7.104

The center span of the George Washington Bridge, as originally

constructed, consisted of a uniform roadway suspended from four
cables. The uniform load supported by each cable was w = 9.75
kips/ft along the horizontal. Knowing that the span L is 3500 ft and
that the sag h is 316 ft, determine for the original configuration (a)
the maximum tension in each cable, (b) the length of each cable.

SOLUTION
FBD half-span: W = ( 9.75 kips/ft )(1750 ft ) = 17, 062.5 kips

ΣM B = 0: ( 875 ft )(17, 065 kips ) − ( 316 ft ) T0 = 0

T0 = 47, 246 kips

Tmax = T02 + W 2 = ( 47, 246 kips )2 + (17, 063 kips )2

(a) Tmax = 50, 200 kips

 2 y
2
2 y
4 
s = x 1 +   −   + "
 3 x  5 x 

 2  316 ft 
2
2  316 ft 
4 
sB = (1750 ft ) 1 +   −   + "
 3  1750 ft  5  1750 ft  
= 1787.3 ft

(b) l = 2sB = 3575 ft

*
To get 3-digit accuracy, only two terms are needed.
 PROBLEM 7.105

Each cable of the Golden Gate Bridge supports a load w = 11.1 kips/ft
along the horizontal. Knowing that the span L is 4150 ft and that the
sag h is 464 ft, determine (a) the maximum tension in each cable,
(b) the length of each cable.

SOLUTION
FBD half-span:

 2075 ft 
(a) ΣM B = 0:   ( 23032.5 kips ) − ( 464 ft ) T0 = 0
 2 

T0 = 47, 246 kips

Tmax = T02 + W 2 = ( 47, 246 kips )2 + ( 23,033 kips )2 = 56, 400 kips

 2 y
2
2 y
4 
(b) s = x 1 +   −   + "
 3  
x 5  x 

 2  464 ft 
2
2  464 ft 
4 
sB = ( 2075 ft ) 1 +   −   + "
 3  2075 ft  5  2075 ft  

sB = 2142 ft l = 2s B l = 4284 ft
 PROBLEM 7.106

To mark the positions of the rails on the posts of a fence, a homeowner

ties a cord to the post at A, passes the cord over a short piece of pipe
attached to the post at B, and ties the free end of the cord to a bucket
filled with bricks having a total mass of 20 kg. Knowing that the mass
per unit length of the rope is 0.02 kg/m and assuming that A and B are
at the same elevation, determine (a) the sag h, (b) the slope of the cable
at B. Neglect the effect of friction.

SOLUTION

FBD pulley:

ΣM P = 0: (Tmax − WB ) r = 0

Tmax = WB = 196.2 N

FBD half-span:*

T0 = Tmax
2
−W2 = (196.2 N )2 − ( 4.91 N )2 = 196.139 N

 25 m 
ΣM B = 0:   ( 4.905 N ) − h (196.139 N ) = 0
 2 

(a) h = 0.3126 m = 313 mm

W  4.905 N 
(b) θ B = sin −1 = sin −1   = 1.433°
Tmax  196.2 N 
*See note Prob. 7.103
 PROBLEM 7.107

A small ship is tied to a pier with a 5-m length of rope as shown.

Knowing that the current exerts on the hull of the ship a 300-N force
directed from the bow to the stern and that the mass per unit length of the
rope is 2.2 kg/m, determine (a) the maximum tension in the rope,
(b) the sag h. [Hint: Use only the first two terms of Eq. (7.10).]

SOLUTION
(a) FBD ship:

ΣFx = 0: T0 − 300 N = 0 T0 = 300 N

FBD half-span:*

Tmax = T02 + W 2 = ( 300 N )2 = ( 54 N ) = 305 N

2

L LW
(b) ΣM A = 0: hTx − W =0 h=
4 4Tx

 2 4
2  LW yA W
s = x 1 +   + " but yA = h = so =
 3 x  4Tx xA 2Tx

L  2  53.955 N 
2 
( 2.5 m ) = 1 +   − " → L = 4.9732 m
2  3  600 N  

LW
So h = = 0.2236 m h = 224 mm
4Tx
*See note Prob. 7.103
 PROBLEM 7.108

The center span of the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge consists of two

uniform roadways suspended from four cables. The design of the bridge
allowed for the effect of extreme temperature changes which cause the
sag of the center span to vary from hw = 386 ft in winter to hs = 394 ft in
summer. Knowing that the span is L = 4260 ft, determine the change in
length of the cables due to extreme temperature changes.

SOLUTION

 2 y
2
2 y
4 
s = x 1 +   −   + "
 3  
x 5  x 

 2 h 
2
2 h 
2 
Knowing l = 2sTOT = L 1 +   −   + "
 3  L/2  5  L/2  
 

Winter:

 2  386 ft 
2
2  386 ft 
4 
lw = ( 4260 ft ) 1 +   −   + " = 4351.43 ft
 3  2130 ft  5  2130 ft  

Summer:

 2  394 ft 
2
2  394 ft 
4 
ls = ( 4260 ft )  1 +   −   + " = 4355.18 ft
 3  2130 ft  5  2130 ft  

∆l = ls − lw = 3.75 ft
 PROBLEM 7.109

A cable of length L + ∆ is suspended between two points which are at

the same elevation and a distance L apart. (a) Assuming that ∆ is small
compared to L and that the cable is parabolic, determine the approximate
sag in terms of L and ∆ . (b) If L = 30 m and ∆ = 1.2 m, determine the
approximate sag. [Hint: Use only the first two terms of Eq. (7.10).]

SOLUTION

 2 y
2 
(a) s = x 1 +   − "
 3 x 

 2 h 
2 
L + ∆ = 2sTOT = L 1 +   − "
 3  L/2  
 

2 2
∆ 2  2h  8 h  3
=   =   →h= L∆
L 3 L  3 L  8

(b) For L = 30 m, ∆ = 1.2 m h = 3.67 m

 PROBLEM 7.110

Each cable of the side spans of the Golden Gate Bridge supports a load
w = 10.2 kips/ft along the horizontal. Knowing that for the side spans the
maximum vertical distance h from each cable to the chord AB is 30 ft and
occurs at midspan, determine (a) the maximum tension in each cable,
(b) the slope at B.

SOLUTION
FBD AB:

ΣM A = 0: (1100 ft ) TBy − ( 496 ft ) TBx − ( 550 ft )W = 0

11TBy − 4.96TBx = 5.5W (1)

FBD CB:
W
ΣM C = 0: ( 550 ft ) TBy − ( 278 ft ) TBx − ( 275 ft ) =0
2
11TBy − 5.56TBx = 2.75W (2)

Solving (1) and (2) TBy = 28,798 kips

Solving (1) and (2) TBx = 51, 425 kips
TBy
Tmax = TB = TB2x + TB2y tan θ B =
TBx

So that (a) Tmax = 58,900 kips

(b) θ B = 29.2°
 PROBLEM 7.111

A steam pipe weighting 50 lb/ft that passes between two buildings 60 ft

apart is supported by a system of cables as shown. Assuming that the
weight of the cable is equivalent to a uniformly distributed loading of 7.5
lb/ft, determine (a) the location of the lowest point C of the cable, (b) the
maximum tension in the cable.

SOLUTION

FBD AC: FBD CB:

a
ΣM A = 0: (13.5 ft ) T0 − ( 57.5 lb/ft ) a = 0
2

(
T0 = 2.12963 lb/ft 2 a 2) (1)

60 ft − a
ΣM B = 0: ( 57.5 lb/ft )( 60 ft − a ) − ( 6 ft ) T0 = 0
2

( )
6T0 = 28.75 lb/ft 2 3600 ft 2 − (120 ft ) a + a 2  (2)

Using (1) in (2) 0.55a 2 − (120 ft ) a + 3600 ft 2 = 0

Solving: a = (108 ± 72 ) ft a = 36 ft (180 ft out of range)

So C is 36 ft from A

(a) C is 6 ft below and 24 ft left of B

T0 = 2.1296 lb/ft 2 ( 36 ft ) = 2760 lb

2

W1 = ( 57.5 lb/ft )( 36 ft ) = 2070 lb

(b) Tmax = TA = T02 + W12 = ( 2760 lb )2 + ( 2070 lb )2 = 3450 lb

 PROBLEM 7.112

Chain AB supports a horizontal, uniform steel beam having a mass

per unit length of 85 kg/m. If the maximum tension in the cable is
not to exceed 8 kN, determine (a) the horizontal distance a from A
to the lowest point C of the chain, (b) the approximate length of the
chain.

SOLUTION

a b
ΣM A = 0: y AT0 − wa = 0 ΣM B = 0: − yBT0 + wb = 0
2 2

wa 2 wb 2
yA = yB =
2T0 2T0

d = ( y B − yB ) =
w 2
2T0
(
b − a2 )
T0 = TB2 − ( wb ) = Tmax − ( wb )
22 2
But

( 2d )2 Tmax − ( wb )  ( ) ( )
2 2
∴ 2
= w2 b 2 − a 2 = L2 w2 4b 2 − 4 Lb + L2


 
or ( ) T2
4 L2 + d 2 b 2 − 4L3b +  L4 − 4d 2 max
w2
 = 0
 

Using L = 6 m, d = 0.9 m, Tmax = 8 kN, ( )

w = ( 85 kg/m ) 9.81 m/s2 = 833.85 N/m

yields b = ( 2.934 ± 1.353) m b = 4.287 m ( since b > 3 m )

(a) a = 6 m − b = 1.713 m
 PROBLEM 7.112 CONTINUED

− ( wb ) = 7156.9 N
2
T0 = Tmax
2

yA wa yB wb
= = 0.09979 = = 0.24974
xA 2T0 xB 2T0

 2  yA 
2   2  yB 
2 

l = s A + sB = a 1 +   
 +" + b 1+   + "
 3  xA    3  xB  
   

 2 2  2 2
= (1.713 m ) 1 + ( 0.09979 )  + ( 4.287 m ) 1 + ( 0.24974 )  = 6.19 m
 3   3 
(b) l = 6.19 m
 PROBLEM 7.113

Chain AB of length 6.4 m supports a horizontal, uniform steel beam

having a mass per unit length of 85 kg/m. Determine (a) the horizontal
distance a from A to the lowest point C of the chain, (b) the maximum
tension in the chain.

SOLUTION

x
ΣM P = 0: wx − yT0 = 0
2
Geometry:
wx 2 y wx
y = so =
2T0 x 2T0

and d = yB − y A =
2T0
(
w 2
b − a2 )
 2 y  
2  2 y  
2
FBD Segment: Also l = s A + sB = a 1 +  A   + b 1 +  B  
 3  a    3  b  

2  y A 
2 2
l−L= 
3  a 
 yB 
 +
 b 
  =
w2 3
 6T0
2
a + b3 ( )
2d a +b
2 3
( 3
)
=
1 4d 2
(a 3
+b 3
) =
( ) ( )
2
6 b2 − a 2 3 b2 − a 2 2

Using l = 6.4 m, L = 6 m, d = 0.9 m, b = 6 m − a, and solving for a,

knowing that a < 3 ft
a = 2.2196 m (a) a = 2.22 m

Then T0 =
w 2
2d
(
b − a2 )
And with (
w = ( 85 kg/m ) 9.81 m/s 2 = 833.85 N/m )
And b = 6 m − a = 3.7804 m T0 = 4338 N

Tmax = TB = T02 + ( wb )
2

= ( 4338 N )2 + (833.85 N/m )2 ( 3.7804 m )2

Tmax = 5362 N (b) Tmax = 5.36 kN
 PROBLEM 7.114

A cable AB of span L and a simple beam A′B′ of the same span

are subjected to identical vertical loadings as shown. Show that the
magnitude of the bending moment at a point C ′ in the beam is
equal to the product , T0h where T0 is the magnitude of the horizontal
component of the tension force in the cable and h is the vertical
distance between point C and the chord joining the points of support
A and B.

SOLUTION

FBD Cable: ΣM B = 0: LACy + aT0 − ΣM B loads = 0 (1)

(Where ΣM B loads includes all applied loads)

 x
ΣM C = 0: xACy −  h − a  T0 − ΣM C left = 0 (2)
 L 
FBD AC:
(Where ΣM C left includes all loads left of C)

x x
(1) − ( 2 ): hT0 − ΣM B loads + ΣM C left = 0 (3)
L L

FBD Beam: ΣM B = 0: LABy − ΣM B loads = 0 (4)

ΣM C = 0: xABy − ΣM C left − M C = 0 (5)

FBD AC:
x x
( 4 ) − ( 5): − ΣM B loads + ΣM C left + M C = 0 (6)
L L

Comparing (3) and (6) M C = hT0 Q.E.D.