A comparative study on static properties of a three‐main‐truss and three‐cable‐plane cable‐stayed bridge

Purpose - This paper aims to obtain the further and overall generation about the static characteristics of the structure for the better application of the structure. Design/methodology/approach - Through nonlinear finite element simulation, serials of comparative analyses are performed on this structure and other three assumed structures, which illustrate the effect of the main part of the structure on the structural static properties. Meanwhile, adopting the first order method, spatial cable force optimization makes the structural mechanic more rational. Findings - Under same level stress, this three-main-truss and three-cable-plane bridge could save almost 38.8 percent vertical chords materials consumption at least. In contrast, this bridge has a lower lateral torsional stiffness, considering the key to raise the lateral and torsional stiffness is enhancing axial stiffness of plane bracing, the suitable plane bracing members area is twice as the original area. After rational optimization, the cable tension ratio between the mid-cable plane and the two side-cable planes ranges from 1.09 to 1.14. Originality/value - The work in this paper of the comparative analysis could give other engineers a way to a deep analysis method for the structural analysis, especially in civil engineering. The conclusions would provide other designers some applied advice.