Hauban

A hauban is a type of cable, specifically a guy-wire or stay, used to provide structural support to a tall, slender structure. It is typically under tension, and attached diagonally to the supported structure, anchoring at some distance away on the ground or another supporting structure.

Haubans are commonly used on:

• Masts: Supporting radio masts, sailing masts, or other vertical masts.
• Bridges: Stay-cable bridges utilize numerous haubans connected from the bridge deck to the supporting towers. These are a defining characteristic of this bridge type.
• Other Structures: Haubans can be employed in diverse applications to stabilize structures susceptible to wind or other lateral forces.

The term "hauban" is often used interchangeably with terms like "stay cable," "guy-wire," or "tension cable," depending on the specific application and regional terminology. However, "hauban" tends to imply a structural cable under significant tension providing crucial lateral stability to a larger structure. The materials used for haubans are typically high-strength steel cables, often comprised of multiple strands to increase overall strength and resilience. Proper tensioning of the hauban is critical for ensuring the stability and safety of the supported structure.