STUDY ON STRUCTURAL CHARACTERISTICS AND ULTIMATE STRENGTH 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 behaviors, sectional forces and deflections, under the design load are compared with that of conventional cable-stayed bridges and arch bridges. Non-linear analysis is then conducted to obtain the ultimate strength. The cable-stayed arch bridge has smaller sectional forces and deformation under the design load and 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.