A total lagrangian geometrically non-linear analysis of combined beam and cable structures

Abstract A unified formulation for the geometrically non-linear analysis of two dimensional beam and line elements is presented, using a total Lagrangian approach. The formulation employed permits any magnitude of deformation for straight or curved elements. The computer program developed permits analysis of combined beam and cable structures. Particular attention is paid to the fact that structures comprising cables are often mechanisms without an initial stress state due to pretensioning of the cables. The prescribed displacement technique is used for establishing the initial pretensioned configuration. Limit loads causing the loss of pretension are also investigated.