How do I calculate the tension on top of a pole?

In summary: The tension at the top of the pole will be equal to the weight of the cement block. In summary, the tension exerted on the steel pole when the cement block is placed on top of it is 5 kilograms, assuming the pole and block do not tip. The steel pole can take much greater tension before it starts to bend or break, as it is a slender column with a height of 70 diameters.
  • #1
telephonedude
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TL;DR Summary
How do I calculate the tension of a cement block on top of a steel pole. Please bear with me, I am not that proficient with math but I am eager to learn.
Let's say I have a 1 meter steel pole with a diameter of 10 centimeters standing upright, and I have a cement block of 30 cm length and 10 cm width and an assumed weight of 5 kilograms.

If I place the cement block on top of the steel pole, assuming that neither the pole or the cement block tips how much tension would it be exerting onto the steel pole? And how much tension can the steel pole take until it starts to bend or break?
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  • #2
Zero. If the block is perfectly balanced, there is no tension in this situation, only compression.
 
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  • #3
Welcome to PF.
This question is best classed as a “column stability” problem.
Here the column height is 70 diameters, so it is a slender column.
There will be a small tension on one side of the column and much greater compression on the other.
It may sway like an inverted pendulum.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buckling#Columns
 
  • #4
Compressión will be equal to weight of cement block, doesn't it? It will be 5kg
 
  • #5
JackMit said:
Compressión will be equal to weight of cement block, doesn't it? It will be 5kg
The compression at the bottom of the pole will include the weight of the solid pole.
 

FAQ: How do I calculate the tension on top of a pole?

1. How do I calculate the tension on top of a pole?

To calculate the tension on top of a pole, you will need to know the weight of the object or objects being supported by the pole, as well as the angle of the pole and the distance from the base of the pole to the point where the weight is being supported. You can then use the formula T = W / sin(θ) to calculate the tension, where T is the tension, W is the weight, and θ is the angle of the pole.

2. Do I need any special equipment to calculate the tension on top of a pole?

No, you do not need any special equipment. All you need is a calculator and the necessary measurements, which can be taken with a measuring tape or ruler.

3. Is there a specific unit of measurement for tension?

Yes, the unit of measurement for tension is typically Newtons (N). However, you can also use other units such as pounds (lbs) or kilograms (kg) as long as you are consistent with your units throughout the calculation.

4. Can I use the same formula to calculate tension on any type of pole?

Yes, the formula T = W / sin(θ) can be used to calculate tension on any type of pole, as long as you have the necessary measurements and the pole is supporting weight at an angle.

5. Are there any safety considerations when calculating tension on top of a pole?

Yes, it is important to make sure the pole and any equipment being supported by it are structurally sound and able to handle the calculated tension. It is also important to follow proper safety protocols when working with poles and other structures.

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