Cable-Stayed Versus Classical Suspension Bridge

Abstract

The development of cable-stayed bridges is traced back to the 1600's. The cable-stayed bridge is a new type of bridge concept that has just started to attract the attention of bridge engineers in the United States. A comparative study of existing bridges has shown that cable-stayed bridges have a definite place in the economical design of bridges for intermediate spans and challenge the supremacy of the conventional suspension bridge in the long-span range. A comparison between classical suspension and cable-stayed is presented on the basis of stiffness, optimization of cable-weight, and aerodynamics. A general conclusion is stated that a cable-stayed system is stiffer and more economical than a suspension system of camparable span. Wind effects have been investigated very thoroughly for suspension bridges and such analysis is also required for cable-stayed bridges. It is indicated that because of inherent system stiffness and damping, the cable-stayed system is not as sensitive to wind oscillation as a conventional suspension system.