Enhancing Structural Stability in Cable Bracing Systems: The Benefits of an Additional Horizontal Member ^†

This study looks at how cables behave in structures using SAP2000 (Version 25). The research focuses on how cables can act in unexpected ways, introducing a new cable support design that makes buildings more stable and prevents cables from becoming slack. Detailed tests with different tensions and cable sizes were carried out to find the best way to use cables. This investigation focused on determining the optimal height of a horizontal cable member within a single-story frame. The proposed model introduces a novel bracing configuration, incorporating a chevron cable brace with a horizontal member that connects members of the diagonal bracings. Braces affected by the lateral force do not slack and remain permanently in tension. The effect of different pre-stresses, different cable diameters, and different supporting conditions on the axial forces of the cables was investigated. With the modified method, it was noted that all cables are working and economically feasible. It was also observed that under the dynamic loading of cable bracing systems, increasing the diameter of the cable and increasing the pre-stress force did not have much effect on the axial forces, but with the changing of the supporting conditions, from the fixed support to the joint support, the axial forces of the cable increased. The position of the horizontal member was examined in the frame. The optimum height and length of the horizontal member were determined by the analyses to be at 16% of frame height and length.