Full-Scale Specimen Testing and Parametric Studies on Tensile-Plate Cable-Girder Anchorages in Cable-Stayed Bridges with Steel Girders

Abstract

In cable-stayed bridges, cable anchorages are subject to significant forces in the structure and carry a heavy stress concentration. The structural features and cable-force transfer pathway of four typical cable-girder anchorages in cable-stayed bridges with steel girders were introduced. Finite-element analysis (FEA) and a full-scale specimen test were performed to investigate the mechanical behavior of tensile-plate anchorages. Stress distribution and stress concentration of tensile-plate anchorages were obtained by combining the results of the FEA and experiments. The effect of design parameters on the mechanical behavior of tensile-plate anchorages was also investigated by the FEA. Test results confirmed that the anchorage is designed reasonably and reliably with a large safety margin. According to the parametric studies, fillet radius significantly affects the stress field of the local fillet zone. Also, the welding tensile plate with extended web shows the best work performance for tensile-plate anchorages.