Determination of initial cable force of cantilever casting concrete arch bridge using stress balance and influence matrix methods

Abstract

Cantilever casting concrete arch bridge using form traveller has a broad application prospect. However, it is difficult to obtain reasonable initial cable force in construction stage. In this study, stress balance and influence matrix methods were developed to determine the initial cable force of cantilever casting concrete arch bridge. The stress balance equation and influence matrix of arch rib critical section were established, and the buckle cable force range was determined by the allowable stress of arch rib critical section. Then a group of buckle cable forces were selected and substituted into the stress balance equation, and the reasonable initial buckle cable force was determined through iteration. Based on the principle of force balance, the initial anchor cable force was determined. In an engineering application example, it is shown that the stress balance and influence matrix methods for the determination of initial cable force are feasible and reliable. The initial cable forces of arch rib segments only need to be adjusted once in the corresponding construction process, which improves the working efficiency and reduces the construction risk. It is found that the methods have great advantages for determining initial cable force in cantilever casting construction process of concrete arch bridge.