Model Test of Half-Through CFST Tied-Arch Bridge in the Process of Arch Rib Erection

Maocaojie Bridge is a half-through concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) tied-arch bridge in the Hunan Province of China. A model of this bridge with the scale ratio of 1 : 20 was built up in the laboratory. The model test investigation was performed. This work focuses on the arch rib erection method, especially the final construction stages of the bridge. In addition, the mechanical characteristics of the arch ribs and the stay cable in the process of arch rib erection are analyzed. The simulated results are compared to the field-measured data. It is shown that the simulated calculations have a satisfactory accuracy. Hence, some suggestions about construction techniques and construction control methods for this type of bridges are proposed.