Analysis of cable-stayed bridges during construction by cantilever methods

The aim of this study concerns with the analysis of cable-stayed bridges at different erection stages during construction using the cantilever method. A finite element computation procedure is set up for the shape finding analysis of such structures during erection procedures. Two computational processes are established, one is a forward process analysis and the other is a backward process analysis. The former is performed by following the sequence of erection stages in bridge construction and the latter is carried out in the reverse direction of erection procedures. Both processes can be successfully applied for finding the initial shape of bridge structures during erection procedures. The structural behavior of the bridge structure at different erection stages has been examined in details, such as the pretension required in cable-stays and the corresponding structural configurations of the bridge, etc. The results of shape finding analysis at each erection stage not only provide the necessary data for the purpose of structural analysis and design, but also can be used for checking and controlling the erection procedure of the cable-stayed bridge during construction. The designed shape (pretension in cables and configuration) of the bridge can then be achieved and constructed. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.