A cable may be composed of one or more structural ropes,

structural strands, locked coil strands or parallel wire strands.

? A strand is an assembly of wires formed helically around centre
wire in one or more symmetrical layers.
? A strand can be used either as an individual load-carrying member,
where radius or curvature is not a major requirement, or as a
component in the manufacture of the structural rope.
? A rope is composed of a plurality of strands helically laid around a
core. In contrast to the strand, a rope provides increased curvature
capability and is used where curvature of the cable becomes an
important consideration.
The selection of cable configuration and number of
cables is dependent mainly on length of the span, type of
loadings, number of roadway lanes, height of towers, and
the designer�s individual sense of proportion and
aesthetics.
? Cost also plays important role in deciding the selection.
? Using less number of cables increases concentrated load
at a single point thereby requiring additional
reinforcement for the deck slab as well as pylon .