Static Experiment and Finite Element Analysis of a Multitower Cable-Stayed Bridge with a New Stiffening System

Based on the stiffness limitations of the midtower in multitower cable-stayed bridges, a new stiffening system (tie-down cables) is proposed in this paper. The sag effects and wind-induced responses can be reduced with the proposed system because tie-down cables are short and aesthetic compared with traditional stiffening cables. The results show that the stiffening effect of tie-down cables is better than that of traditional stiffening cables in controlling the displacement and internal force of the bridge based on a static experiment and finite element analysis. Therefore, the proposed system can greatly improve the overall stiffness of a bridge, and its stiffening effect is better than that of traditional stiffening cables in controlling the displacement and internal force. The results provide a reference for the application of such systems in practical engineering.

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