Does the tensile and wind resistance performance of self-supporting aerial cables guarantee their stable operation in complex terrains and harsh climates?
Publish Time: 2025-09-25
In the wide-area coverage of modern communication networks, self-supporting aerial cables, as a crucial transmission medium connecting urban and rural areas and spanning mountains and rivers, are often deployed in outdoor environments without the support of underground infrastructure. Their operating conditions are far more demanding than those of underground or buried optical cables, requiring them to withstand continuous tensile stress from their own weight, wind, ice/snow loads, and terrain variations. In this context, the tensile and wind resistance performance of the cable is not merely a technical parameter, but a core guarantee for maintaining stable operation of the communication link in complex terrains and harsh climates.The key feature of self-supporting aerial cables lies in their integrated structural design. Unlike traditional cables that rely on external steel strands for suspension, they integrate the load-bearing elements directly into the cable core, typically using high-strength steel wires or non-metallic reinforcing cores. This design allows the cable to independently withstand longitudinal tension, eliminating the need for additional suspension wires, simplifying installation while fundamentally enhancing overall structural stability. In mountainous or hilly areas with significant elevation changes, uneven stress distribution occurs during cable installation due to terrain variations. The internal reinforcing elements effectively distribute these stresses, preventing microbending losses in the optical fibers due to excessive elongation or localized compression, thus ensuring continuous signal transmission.In coastal, high-altitude, or open plain areas prone to strong winds, wind load is a major threat to cable safety. Continuous lateral wind pressure can cause cable swaying and vibration fatigue, leading to sheath abrasion, connector loosening, and even breakage over time. Self-supporting cables address this by optimizing the core structure and outer sheath design to enhance overall rigidity and wind resistance. The compact, circular cross-section minimizes wind resistance. Furthermore, the filling and wrapping structure between the reinforcing elements and the fiber optic units forms a robust internal support system, suppressing wind-induced vibrations and preventing performance degradation.More importantly, the tensile design of self-supporting cables must withstand not only static loads but also dynamic impacts. For example, in severe snowstorms, accumulated snow and ice significantly increase the vertical load on the optical cable, subjecting it to far greater tension than under normal conditions. At this point, the high elastic modulus and tensile strength of the reinforcing elements become crucial for maintaining structural integrity. They ensure that deformation remains within safe limits under extreme loads, preventing the cable from breaking or detaching from its anchor points. In situations involving strong winds and significant swaying, the cable also needs a certain degree of flexibility to absorb impact energy and prevent brittle fracture. This combination of rigidity and flexibility is the foundation for its long-term performance in diverse environments.In complex terrains, such as when spanning rivers, canyons, or roads/railways, self-supporting optical cables often require long spans. These scenarios place higher demands on the cable's self-supporting capability. The cable must withstand its own weight and environmental loads without intermediate support, maintaining stable sag and preventing excessive sag that could compromise safety distances or lead to damage from external forces. Through precise structural design and material selection, self-supporting optical cables maintain good mechanical balance within a reasonable span, ensuring no plastic deformation or structural failure during long-term operation.Furthermore, the outer sheath of the cable also contributes to overall protection. UV-resistant and aging-resistant sheath materials maintain their mechanical properties under prolonged exposure to sun and rain, preventing damage to the reinforcing elements due to sheath cracking and subsequent corrosion. Additional features such as rodent and insect protection further enhance its durability in harsh outdoor environments.In summary, self-supporting aerial cables, with their integrated load-bearing structure and scientific mechanical design, demonstrate superior tensile and wind resistance. They not only meet the deployment needs of complex terrains but also withstand the long-term challenges of harsh weather conditions such as wind, snow, ice, and temperature fluctuations, providing a robust, reliable, and durable information channel for communication networks.
