agreed, non-intuitive result but very simple to compute.

 

I just came across an interesting resource that discusses this puzzle in depth: http://mathforum.org/mathimages/index.php/Rope_around_the_Earth

I just thought about some smaller-scale projects with ropes (or wire rope) like suspension bridges.
I understand that the decks will twist and settle but there will still be uneven forces or, possible, forces in unexpected areas of the bridge if everything is not accurately adjusted to within a (preferred small unit of measurement).