This paper proposes a continuous approach to formulation of a general three-dimensional nonlinear cable model. The model’s assumptions include selected acceptable restrictions regarding its application to various types of civil engineering structures. The model is dedicated to static and dynamic analyses of complex tension structures, particularly the ones subjected to moving loads. In order to demonstrate the versatility and comprehensiveness of the computational model two exemplary cable structures: an aerial bi-cable ropeway and a pipeline suspension bridge are considered. Appropriate modifications of the model are explained. The Ritz-Lagrange method and the Galerkin method, respectively, are used as the relevant discretization schemes. Numerical analyses capture valuable features of the static and dynamic behavior of the investigated structures. In particular, results of simulations highlight the influence of nonlinear effects on the ropeway carrying cable responses due to in-service load. Moreover, it is recognized that natural frequencies of pipeline suspension bridge conveying fluid highly depend on the fluid velocity. The presented results emphasize the qualitative and quantitative efficiency of the cable model in multipurpose applications.

本文提出了一种连续的方法来制定一般的三维非线性电缆模型。该模型的假设包括选定的关于其应用于各种类型土木工程结构的可接受限制。该模型专用于复杂受拉结构的静态和动态分析，尤其是承受移动载荷的结构。为了证明计算模型的多功能性和全面性，我们考虑了两个示例性缆索结构：架空双缆索道和管道悬索桥。解释了模型的适当修改。分别使用 Ritz-Lagrange 方法和 Galerkin 方法作为相关的离散化方案。数值分析捕获了所研究结构的静态和动态行为的有价值的特征。特别是，模拟结果突出了非线性效应对索道承载电缆响应的影响，因为在役载荷。此外，人们认识到输送流体的管道悬索桥的固有频率高度依赖于流体速度。所呈现的结果强调了电缆模型在多用途应用中的定性和定量效率。