Effect of Non-linearities due to Geometry, Cables and Tuned Mass Dampers on the Analysis of Cable-Stayed Bridges by Jaspal Singh Saini

Even though cable-stayed bridges have been built for a long time, simplified procedures have been used for characterization of their dynamic response and design purposes. These procedures were essentially directed towards representation of the overall bridge response, with no consideration to cable vibrations. Researchers have recently stressed the importance of cable vibrations on the overall behavior, with the possibility of alteration of the overall bridge response due to cable dynamics. Identification of these complex cable-deck vibration modes, wherein cables and deck vibrate together, then becomes an issue of paramount importance. Analytical studies have been conducted in the past to come up with a methodology to accurately simulate the cable-deck vibration characteristics. But these studies have only looked at the dynamic response of the bridge in completed configuration, and the issues related to variation in vibration characteristics as the bridge is built have not been addressed. For cable-stayed bridges with serious vibration problems, use of tuned mass dampers is being explored and wind-tunnel studies on scaled model of cable-stayed bridges have demonstrated their effectiveness in mitigating vibration problems.