Strings on Pole 1

[greencircle]

How can we check if the alum flag pole is structurally safe from this kind decorative festive lights strings.
The other ends of the strings are attached to building ceiling.

I am thinking of calculating the wind force of each string and apply the total of that to the pole and check the stress of the critical plane of the pole.

 

[KootK]

Depending on where you're at, ice applied to the caternary could be a significant load as will. Your pic looks pretty lush though so maybe that's not an issue for you.

I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.

 

[BUGGAR]

I'm doing something similar. I had the opportunity to observe the lateral movement of the wire in a wind and I could use this movement to calculate the vector and force at the end of the wire from this wind.

 

[Lomarandil]

In transmission lines, the "wind span" (portion of cable which transmits lateral load to the pole) is 1/2 the total length of cable between the pole and your building.

The "weight span" (portion of cable which transmits vertical load to the pole) extends from the lowest point of the cable to the pole.

Of course, you may be able to conservatively apply the whole length of the cable in both directions and make it work.

 

[greencircle]

This is'nt a actual picture, but closely represents my application. Yes, I wouldn't worry about the ice.
Good point about the lateral movement. I will try to be conservative and see if the pole withstands the area of whole length of the string.
Thanks guys.

 

[bridgebuster]

The attached contains an example of what the others have described.

 

[sekwahrovert]

Perhaps I'm stating the obvious, but the wind loading from the light string will be partially in the direction of wind and partially perpendicular to the direction of the wind. The perpendicular portion of the load will be sensitive to the sag in the line. Perhaps you could determine the breaking strength of the light string and see if your pole can resist that force--that would save you from having to learn or relearn the catenary equations.