Discussion: View Thread

  • 1.  Barrier Cable Design

    Posted 03-21-2018 10:11 AM
    ASCE load on barrier cable is 6,000 lbs applied at 1'6" to 2'3 height in a 12" x 12" area. Does this include cables 6" below and 6" above cables specified by ASCE or is the 12" x 12" within the limits of 1'6" and 2'3"?

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    Jairo Arana P.E., S.E., M.ASCE
    Miami FL
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  • 2.  RE: Barrier Cable Design

    Posted 03-21-2018 02:33 PM
    Yes, the load is centered within the 12" X 12" area.  It would be a prudent interpretation based on the irregular shapes of car bumpers.

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    Chad Morrison P.E., M.ASCE
    Professional Engineer
    Greenville RI
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  • 3.  RE: Barrier Cable Design

    Posted 03-21-2018 05:39 PM
    Here is my method when I design these barrier cable systems.  Any cantilever post that can be impacted, I put the load at the 27" height to get the maximum bending moment.  For the cables, I assume that if the cables are 4" on center, a load on a 12" high area would be resisted by 3 cables.  I then put a 2000# load on the cables that fall within the minimum and maximum height.  For cable analysis, I use the method that Presswalla developed when he was with Florida Wire and Cable.

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    Thomas Sputo Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE, F.SEI
    Structural Engineer
    Gainesville FL
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