Multi-Angle and Nonuniform Ground Motions on Cable-Stayed Bridges

The effect of the spatial variability of the ground motion (SVGM) on the seismic response of cable- stayed bridges is important, yet not entirely understood to date. This paper examines the effect of the SVGM on the seismic response of cable-stayed bridges with various pylon shapes and pylon– cable system configurations by means of the time delay of the ground motion at different supports, the loss of coherency of the seismic waves, and the incidence angle of the seismic waves. The aim of the study is to provide general conclusions that are applicable to a wide range of canonical cable- stayed bridges. The effect of the SVGM on the seismic response of cable-stayed bridges is found to vary depending on the pylon shape, cable-system configuration; and on the response quantity of interest. Finally, the earthquake incidence angle defines whether the SVGM is important for the seismic response of the cable-stayed bridges.