GATE 2022 AR — Architecture – Question 14
A suspension-bridge cable supports a deck through equally spaced hangers, giving a uniformly distributed load along the horizontal bridge length. Neglect cable self-weight. Which curve best approximates the cable?
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Correct answer: (C) Parabolic curve
Explanation
Uniform load per horizontal length gives a constant second derivative of the cable profile, hence a parabola, C. A catenary instead results from a flexible cable’s own weight distributed along its curved length. The stated negligible cable weight is the key distinction.