Cable
|
| The weight of this cable car is suopported by a wire cable. |
Contents |
[edit] Definition
A cable is a line made of rope, chain or wire that has different functions according to the application it is used for. It can either tie together two points or simply connect them, as in electricity conveyance or data transmission, and can be loadbearing or non-loadbearing. Cables can be vertical, diagonal, horizontal, or may follow a characterisitc catenary shape that curves with gravity to a low point in the middle of the cable.
[edit] Types of cable
[edit] Mechanical
Mechanical cables usually transfer a load between two points, so that an action at on one point causes a corresponding mechanical action at the other. For example:
- In an old-fashioned bell-pull, the bell rings when the other end of a cable/wire is pulled (usually at the front door).
- The steel cables on a suspension bridge transfer the weight of the road/rail deck and passing traffic to the supporting pylons. The cable usually comprises many strands of steel wire that are intertwined for greater strength. Cables can also support lift cars, cable cars, ski lifts etc.
|
| Suspension cables seen here on the Millau Viaduct, France |
[edit] Transmission
- Transmission/power cables convey current (electricity cables) and usually comprise one or more wires (sometimes intertwined) that are sheathed with PVC or other insulating material. Fibre optic cables also fall into this category.
[edit] Communication cables
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Building fabric.
- Cable carrier.
- Careful planning required during cable management materials shortages.
- Curtain wall systems.
- Fabric structures.
- Frei Otto.
- Hyperbolic paraboloid.
- Shortages of cable management products.
- Structural glass assembly.
- Tensile structures.
- Tension cable and rod connectors.
- Wire rope suspension systems.
Featured articles and news
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio, a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.