Static Experiment and Finite Element Analysis of a Multitower Cable-Stayed Bridge with a New Stiffening System

Abstract

Based on the stiffness limitations of the mid tower in multi tower cable-stayed bridges,a new stiffening system (tie-down cables)is proposed in this paper. The sag effects and wind-induced responses can be reduced with the proposed system because tie-down cables are short and aesthetic compared with traditional stiffening cables. The results show that the stiffening effect of tie-down cables is better than that of traditional stiffening cables in controlling the displacement and internalforce of the bridge based on a static experiment and finiteelement analysis.Therefore,theproposedsystemcangreatlyimprovetheoverallstiffnessofabridge, and its stiffening effect is better than that of traditional stiffening cables in controlling the displacement and internal force. The results provide a reference for the application of such systems in practical engineering.