Target-force loading is a nonlinear-static or staged-construction application in which cable tension is specified, then deformation load is iteratively applied until that target tension is achieved. If a scale factor is applied to the load pattern which contains a target-force load, the target force will also be scaled. Since tension may vary along the length of a cable, the relative location of target tension must also be specified. Tension may exist in a cable before analysis begins, therefore iterative displacement may be positive or negative. A cable will then exhibit the target force at the end of the load case or construction stage.