Abstract
In prestressed concrete (PC) cable-stayed bridges, the accuracy of calculating the cable initial force and its iterations for dead load zero deflection criteria depends on several variables. The combination of deck tendon longitudinal configuration, deck vertical profile, rigid pylon–deck connectivity and elastomeric bearings supporting the deck is a unique one that influences cable force distribution in this type of bridge. This structural assembly is presented in two three-dimensional (3D) finite element models. A lumped-sum main girder (spine model) and a detailed 3D shell element model are introduced. The mutual effects of cable forces and deck longitudinal prestressing are investigated implementing two different boundary conditions. The study clarifies the degree of contribution of deck longitudinal prestressing in reducing the quantity of stay cables. It improves bridge global performance with the contribution of transverse and inverted V prestressing from the upper to the lower flanges of the deck.
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