Research on the anti-slip performance of arc groove cable clamps

Abstract

Cable clamps are crucial for connecting component and transmitting prestress in cable structures. The anti-slip performance of the cable clamp is an important factor affecting the stability and safety of the structure. This paper introduces a novel test device to evaluate the anti-slip performance of arc groove cable clamps, and anti-slip performance experiments are performed on four arc groove cable clamps and four straight groove cable clamps. Long-term high strength bolt preload loss tests are conducted to investigate the loss pattern. Furthermore, seventeen parametric finite element models are developed to analyze the effects of groove bending angle, bolt length, cable force, and pressure plate stiffness on the anti-slip performance of arc groove cable clamps. It is found that the arc groove cable clamp exhibits a higher anti-slip bearing capacity, with a friction coefficient equivalent to that of the straight groove cable clamp, both exceeding 0.2. The bolt preload stabilizes at a certain value after 96 h of screwing the bolt, while it stabilizes after 24 h of tensioning the cable. The increase in the bolt length and angel of arc groove, as well as the reduction in the stiffness of the pressure plate, have a positive impact on the anti-slip bearing capacity of the arc groove cable clamp. There is a critical cable force that results in the lowest anti-slip bearing capacity of the arc groove cable clamp. These research results provide valuable insights for the design and engineering application of arc groove cable clamps.