##  [Catenary Action](/catenary-action) 

  ##  [Catenary Action](https://engineering.quantumdictionary.io/catenary-action-0) 

  

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**Engineering & Applied Technologies Dictionary**

 







 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Definition

A tensile membrane mechanism that develops in beams, slabs or continuous elements under large deflections, where sagging geometry produces axial tensile forces (similar to a catenary curve) that carry load after flexural capacity is exhausted or when supports are removed, thereby providing a reserve load path.