Estimating Internal and Reaction Forces in Cable Slabs Using High-Speed Imaging

The study introduces a novel method for estimating internal and reaction forces in cable slabs using a visual feedback system and high-speed camera (HSC) recordings of cyclic and acyclic motions. Markers attached to the slab are analyzed offline through image processing, and their kinematics are derived via numerical differentiation. The cable slab is modeled using the Voigt viscoelastic approach with mass–spring–damper elements, enabling analytical expressions for linear and angular motions. Internal and reaction forces are estimated based on strain and its rate of change, linked to the cable material properties, and tuned manually. Experimental results support the effectiveness of the method. The study also proposes to use another model reflecting cart dynamics for enhanced precision in motion systems, utilizing Newton’s second law to account for the mass seen by the cart and preloading effects. The approach effectively estimates forces while maintaining a camera line of sight with the cable slab.