A new method to compute mechanical properties of a standing skyline for cable yarding

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Christian Knobloch - , Chair of Forest Technology (Author)
  • Leo Gallus Bont - , Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (Author)

Abstract

Cable-based technologies are the backbone for logistics of timber or construction material on impassable terrain. In Central Europe, the use of standing skylines with pre-stressed, both-sided fixed-anchor cables and multi-span configurations with internal intermediate supports is common. To ensure a safe and cost-effective set-up for cable road operations, it is essential to identify and compute the properties of the skyline (e.g. load path, tensile forces). This task is challenging because it requires dealing with the non-linear behaviour of the cable structure under the load and has to include all significant physical effects. Several approaches have previously been proposed as practical solutions, however not all physical effects were covered by those approaches, such as the inclination-dependent elastic prolongation of the cable or the longitudinal deflection of the sagging carriage. With our new proposed approach, we aim to close this gap of knowledge, and consider all relevant physical effects. We present a non-linear approach that is able to compute the properties of a wide range of standing skyline configurations, including those with additional cables. This approach offers an extensive solution and a flexible framework for considering individual configurations or particularities by adding equations to the equation system.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere0256374
JournalPloS one
Volume16
Issue number8 August
Publication statusPublished - Aug 2021
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 34411177

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas