A structural system for use in bridges, buildings and other structures. The system supports
part of its load by tension action and part of its load by arch action. Cables are stretched and
anchored between end supports. Lat eral compressive elements are placed over the cables
and fit over grooves across the bottoms of the elements. The grooves vary in depth. The
cables are near the bottom of the elements at the center span and near the top of the
elements at the end supports.