AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD FOR CABLE TENSION EVALUATION BASED ON TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNING DATA

Large cable structures are used in various infrastructure projects, such as cable-stayed bridges, suspension bridges, and large roof structures. These structures need to be regularly inspected and assessed for their stability and strength. A key aspect of analyzing the stability of these structures is evaluating the tensile forces in the cables to determine if they have deviated from the safe range. Therefore, this article presents an alternative method for cable tension evaluation based on terrestrial laser scanning data combined with cable mechanics knowledge. This alternative method begins with using a terrestrial laser scanner to collect the coordinates of the cable structure under load conditions. The cable coordinates data is then analyzed to assess the cable’s sag shape along its entire length. Non-linear cable mechanics principles, incorporating bending stiffness and non-linear finite element methods, are then used to evaluate the tensile forces in the cables consistent with the observed sag condition. The proposed method in this article can be applied to other structures and enhances the reliability of inspections when used alongside other methods.