Parametric Simulation of Structural Silhouette for Hybrid Cable Bridges

This study has focused on conceptual design of long-span cable bridges where parametric simulation of structural silhouette plays a key role. Specifically the generation of various structural silhouettes of hybrid cable system will be focused in this study. The term 'hybrid' refers to the combination of both suspension and cable-stayed bridges. The use of the hybrid system is to explore an innovative and unique structural shape for long-span of cable bridges. The main objective of this paper is to provide a framework for the parametric simulation for the exploration of structural forms of hybrid cable brudges considering the load path of cable-stays and hangers in conceptual design. The understanding of the load path for the hybrid cable systems will be made by relating the structural form and the corresponding force polygon using the static approach. Imposing the close relationship between a structural form and its structural behavior on the generation of design alternatives in early design stages, it will become easier to obtain structural silhouettes that are both visually and structurally sound. The design variables for the parametric simulation include geometric variables of major structural components and some variables that are sensitive to visual appealing. It is expected that this parametric simulation help develop an innovative structural silhouette considering multi-aspects including safety, sustainability, economy, and aesthetics.