Hazards of Cable Tension Buildings

Deformation

• Cables deform since the lines flex and bend if not given enough tension. Designers and contractors must apply the correct stiffness to stop any change in shape, which effects structures used as arena and stadium covers. If the contractor doesn't apply enough tension, the cable takes the shape of the load applied and not the wanted design of the structure.

Oscillations

• Wind effects cables used as tension support for buildings. Cables flutter, causing structural instability to tensile membrane systems such as lightweight fabric. Even roof structures suspended by cables can become subjected to wind uplift. If the cables are not properly designed, the roof structure can become affected by wind shears. The cables must be stiffened to prevent the gusting wind from oscillating the structure and cause irreparably damage.

Corrosion

• Contractors place these cables where they will be exposed by the weather. If the cable-stayed structure is built in a place with a predominately wet climate, the cables can corrode and break. The building owner runs into extra costs to ensure the cables have corrosion protection. Specialty cables with wound cables interlocking into the main wire are used to prevent water from penetrating the core to cause corrosion.

Building Settlement

• Structures may have their foundations settle over time. Cable-stayed mast structures are dependent to resist foundation settling due to the soil profile. If the structure's heavy load exceeds the maximum level that foundation can handle, the foundation settles and the structure shifts. This causes the cables to lose the tension strength they had during the time of construction.