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Message: <blockquote data-quote="JanH" data-source="post: 718197" data-attributes="member: 320416">"Therefore, the cables of a suspension bridge is a parabola, because the weight of the deck is equally distributed on the curve." "When the structure is being built and the main cables are attached to the towers, the curve is a catenary."I can not see difference between these two definitions and also can not imagine other curve similar parabolic with one focal point. Main cables still have weight equally distributed on the curve with or without bridge. Probably bridge have not weight equally distributed. It is shortcut.I think same princip used discussed membrane parabolic.What the point of the catenary usage?</blockquote>