Optimization of Stay Cables in the Double-Set Arch Pylon Cable-Stayed Bridge

Abstract

The determination of post-tensioning cable forces is one of the most important issues for the design of arch pylon cable stayed bridge. In this paper, the optimization module implemented in MATLB, together with the commercial finite element software MIDAS, were employed to evaluate the minimum bending strain energy of the bridge. After optimizing the cable forces, the bending moment of the pylons were bigger than the values of original design. The bending moment of the main arch pylon within 55m to 70m height increased by 7280 kN•m, and the bending moment of the auxiliary arch pylon within 30m to 60m height increased by 3926 kN•m .The stress of the pylons was still far below the allowance value when the obtained cable forces were applied. However, for the girder, the difference between the maximum positive and maximum negative bending moments due to dead load can be lessened greatly by the application of the obtained cable forces. The results obtained revealed that the method presented could make full use of cable forces and lead to optimal structural performance.