Abstract: Various simulation approaches about geometric non-linear stiffness of cable element are introduced. Based on the catenary-shape theory of the cable, new tangent stiffness matrix of a cable element and some non-linear formulae are derived. Furthermore, elastic elongation and temperature effect are considered by back substitution of linear cable density q after deformation. The iterative process is efficient. The method has the merits of clear concept and simple formulation. Methods for cable force adjustment, such as incremental adjustment technique, total force adjustment technique, and unstressed cable length adjustment technique are introduced in this paper. In engineering practice, unstressed cable length adjustment matched with the helix angle adjustment method is suggested to accomplish arbitrary sequence of cable tension adjustment efficiently and accurately.