Geometrically Nonlinear Analysis of Composite Girder Cable-Stayed Bridge with Three Towers in Completion Stage

Abstract

Based on nonlinear finite element theory, the spatial nonlinear FE model is proposed by link elements, shell elements and spatial beam elements. The different nonlinear behavior of composite girder cable-stayed bridge is analyzed under dead load in completion stage. The nonlinear analysis involves cable sag, large displacement and beam-column for composite girder cable-stayed bridge with three towers. The various nonlinear factors effect on internal force of side tower, and main girder stress are researched. The results show cable sag effect is larger than large displacement and beam-column for girder upper stress, and the sag effect is 16% on the average at the mid of the main span. The nonlinear effect on bending moments is larger than stress and axial force for side tower. The full nonlinear effect on bending moments is only -3.7%, but less than 1% on stress and axial force.