Non-Linear Analysis of Cable-Stayed Bridges

Abstract

The thesis gives a historical review on the development of cable• stayed bridges and presents a literature review on static and stability analyses of that type of bridges, elastically and inelastically. A numerical procedure for the static analysis of highly nonlinear cable skeletal structures, based on minimization of total potential work has been introduced and the Stability Finite Deflection theory is applied to take into consideration the effect of the axial force in the bridge deck and the elastic and inelastic behaviour of the bridge. The procedure for determining the initial shape of cable-stayed bridges is presented in order to get less girder deflection and a reduction in the internal forces. The method of analysis is applied to different types of cable-stayed bridges using a computer program based on the previous methods. The effect of changing the type and some properties of the bridge is studied. The method for determining the critical buckling load is illustrated, and the critical buckling loads for different parameters affecting the bridge behaviour for both cases before and after getting the initial shape of cable• stayed bridges is investigated. Finally a summary and conclusions of the present work are presented.