Ultimate strength and collapse process of cable-stayed arch bridges

Abstract

A new type of cable-supported bridge, the cable-stayed arch bridge, is proposed. This new bridge is a combination of a cable-stayed bridge and an arch bridge, and the girder is supported by both stay cables and arch ribs. Its static behavior, sectional forces and deflections, under the design load are compared with those of conventional cable-stayed bridges and arch bridges. Elastic-plastic large deformation analysis is then conducted to clarify the progressive collapse process and the ultimate strength. It is found that the cable-stayed arch bridge has smaller sectional forces and deformation under the design load and also has sufficient ultimate strength. The cable-stayed arch bridge is modified by inclining the arch planes 15 degrees from the vertical axis, which increases ultimate strength.