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

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    Pole Tension
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the tension and compression forces acting on a steel pole when a cement block is placed on top of it. The scope includes theoretical considerations of column stability and the mechanics of materials.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a scenario involving a steel pole and a cement block, asking for the tension exerted on the pole and the maximum tension the pole can withstand before bending or breaking.
  • Another participant claims that if the block is perfectly balanced, there is no tension, only compression acting on the pole.
  • A different participant classifies the problem as a “column stability” issue, noting that the slenderness of the column may lead to small tension on one side and greater compression on the other, with potential swaying behavior.
  • One participant asserts that the compression force will equal the weight of the cement block, which is 5 kg.
  • A later reply reiterates that the compression at the bottom of the pole will also include the weight of the solid pole itself.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of the forces acting on the pole, with some asserting the presence of tension and others claiming it is purely compression. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact nature of the forces and the implications for the pole's stability.

Contextual Notes

There are assumptions regarding the balance of the block and the structural integrity of the pole that are not fully explored. The discussion does not resolve the complexities of the forces involved in this scenario.

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TL;DR
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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Zero. If the block is perfectly balanced, there is no tension in this situation, only compression.
 
Last edited:
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
 
Compressión will be equal to weight of cement block, doesn't it? It will be 5kg
 
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.
 

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