Structural characteristics of multi-span cable-stayed bridges with hybrid, RC and steel towers

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Amiri, I.^{a; *} | Nakamura, S.^b

Affiliations: [a] Graduate School of Engineering, Tokai University, Japan | [b] Civil Engineering Department, Tokai University, Japan

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author. I. Amiri, Graduate School of Engineering, Tokai University, Japan. E-mail: eng_ismat@yahoo.com.

Abstract: Although multi-span cable stayed bridge is a new and elegant structure, its structural characteristics are not fully understood. The static and seismic behaviors of a multi-span cable stayed bridge with three different types of tower, RC and steel/concrete hybrid and steel tower, were studied. The steel/concrete hybrid tower consists of a sandwich type double steel box section filled with concrete, the RC tower has a rectangular hollow section and the steel tower has a steel box section. First, static analysis is conducted with different live load patterns. Size and material strength assumed, which was validated by the limit states design. Second, elastic and plastic seismic analysis is conducted for the three towers. Medium strong and ultra-strong earthquakes according to Japanese Seismic Codes for Highway Bridges were adopted. Dynamic responses were obtained and compared. In summary, RC and hybrid tower showed very good static features and energy dissipating behavior during earthquakes. Steel tower had the largest displacement but the least bending moment.

DOI: 10.3233/BRS-160095

Journal: Bridge Structures, vol. 11, no. 4, pp. 141-148, 2015