Draft

1.10StructureTypes 19

Tension& CompressionStructures:only, no shear,
exure, ortorsion. Thosearethe

mostecienttypes of structures.

Cable (tensiononly):Thehighstrengthof steelcables,combinedwiththeeciencyof

simpletension,makes cablesidealstructuralelements to spanlargedistancessuch

as bridges, anddishroofs,Fig. 1.2. A cablestructuredevelopsitsloadcarrying

Figure1.2:BasicAspectsof CableSystems

capacity by adjustingitsshape so as to providemaximumresistance(formfollows

function). Careshouldbe exercisedin minimizinglargede
ectionsandvibrations.

Arches(mostlycompression)is a \reversedcablestructure". In anarch,
exure/shear

is minimizedandmostof theloadis transferedthroughaxialforcesonly. Archesare