The Optimum Reinforced Concrete Deck Stiffness of Cable-Stayed Bridge Decks

Abstract

This paper aims to find optimum deck stiffness and optimum girder profile in terms of vertical deformation and cable stresses. The feasibility of this study was achieved by analyse and develop eighteen models twice using ABAQUS software; six different deck stiffness and three different girder profile. A nonlinear static finite element analysis was performed on the previous models. The results show that the maximum stress found at maximum deck stiffness and the maximum cable stress found at maximum girder cross section. Also, the deflection decreased dramatically with the increase of deck stiffness. Therefore, the relationship between the vertical displacement and deck stiffness is inverse. Referring to the data obtained and collected from these analytical models the concrete deck slab with 50 MPa grade is the optimum grade in terms of strength and serviceability requirements.