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4-D ANALYSIS OF CURVED SEGMENTAL CABLE-STAYED BRIDGES


Hesham NOUR ELDEEN
Principal Bridge Engineer
AECOM
Abu Dhabi, UAE
hesham.noureldeen@aecom.com




Dr. Nour Eldeen, born in 1970,
received his BSc. in civil engineering,
MSc. and PhD in Structural
Engineering from Menoufia
University, Egypt. He worked for
Nile Company for Roads and
Bridges, Arab Consultant Engineers
in Egypt, DAR Al-Handasah in
Egypt, KSA, Malaysia, and UK, and
for AECOM in UAE. His main area
is design and construction of
segmental and cable-stayed bridges.


Summary
Construction of segmental cable-stayed bridges entails progressive changes in the configuration of
the structure and/or the statical system. At every stage of construction, it is necessary to have a clear
understanding about the structural behaviour of the erected part to achieve the required bridge
profile, stay forces, and bending moment. For straight cable-stayed bridges, vertical camber and
stay cables pretension forces are calculated through stage-by-stage analysis of the bridge. For
curved bridges, curvature in plan develops a progressive twisting of the deck with the progress of
the construction which may cause a contra-twist before the closure. In such case, vertical camber
may be inadequate to address the issue and a twisting camber is essentially required. The objectives
of this paper is to present a 4-D analysis to assess the encountered contra-twist, highlight the
necessity of the twisting camber, and estimate the short-term and long-term locked-in torsional
moments along the deck.
Keywords: Cable-stayed; segmental; curved; torsion; time-dependant; camber.
1. Introduction
Cable stayed bridges are the most suitable bridge types for spans ranging from 200 m to 1000 m.
They are attractive because of their iconic aesthetic appeal, economic grounds and relatively easy
construction. Forty years ago, the world record for the longest span was 305 m in Duisburg
Neuenkamp Bridge, Germany. Nowadays, this figure jumped to 1,088 m in Sutong cable stayed
bridge, China. This simple comparison demonstrates the impressive progress in the techniques of
design and construction of cable stayed bridges over the last four decades.
Segmental cable stayed bridges are constructed in stages by the progressive erection of the deck
segments and cables. This method of construction introduces engineering challenges to calculate the
erection levels (geometric and erection camber) and the initial pre-tensioning forces in the cables.
The main target of this task is to achieve the designed bridge profile upon the completion under the
application of all deal loads, pre-tensioning forces and time-dependant effects. The simulation of
the actual construction and its importance has been discussed by several investigators such as
Podonly and Scalzi [1], Fleming [2], P. Reddy et al [3], M. Schlaich [4], P. Wang [5], Nour Eldeen
[6], and [7] and Nour Eldeen et al [8], [9], and [10]. However, to the knowledge of the author, the
complications arising from the curvature in horizontal alignment have not been comprehensively
addressed.
2. Problem Description
Modern designs of cable stayed bridges have multiple stays which results in highly redundant
structures, which help to have slender girders. This slenderness highlights the paramount
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importance and need for a comprehensive erection analysis to maintain the deck bending moments
within the tight limits through the construction stages. In addition to that the initial pretensioning
forces have to be calculated in order to achieve the required profile, moment distribution along the
deck and pylons, and cable forces by the end of the construction.
Further demand is introduced in curved segmental bridges. Progressive erection of deck segments
develops increasing torsional moment along the erected cantilever resulting in rotation about its
longitudinal axis. Prior to the closure, it is expected that the two erected parts may experience a
contra-twist which complicated the closure process.
The purpose of this investigation is to highlight the effect of the curvature in horizontal alignment
on the erection analysis of segmental cable-stayed bridges. The paper presents a general four
dimensional nonlinear analysis for such bridges and highlights the need for further erection analysis
to address the encountered twisting of the deck during erection.
3. Finite element formulation
Cable-stayed bridges undergo geometric nonlinear behaviour due to large displacements, P-delta
effect in deck and pylons, and the sag of the stay cables.
3.1. Modelling of deck and pylons
Deck and pylons of the bridge are idealised to three-dimensional beam-column elements. To
account for the large displacement and the P-delta effect, the elastic stiffness matrix | |
E
K is
modified by a geometric stiffness matrix | |
G
K to get the tangent stiffness matrix| |
T
K ,
| | | | | |
G E T
K K K + = (1)
The analysis is carried out using Newton-Raphson iterative procedure till reaching an acceptable
tolerance. The geometric stiffness matrix, which is function of the straining actions and
deformations, is updated in each iteration n. This updated matrix is used in the successive iteration
n+1. This process along with the derivation of the two matrices is explained in details by Nour
Eldeen [7].
3.2. Modelling of cable stays
Whereas the exact analysis of a cable element shows that cable element sags into catenary shape
due to its self weight, it can be idealised to a straight element using equivalent modulus of elasticity
eq
E as given by:
( ) ( )
(
(

+
+
=
T T
AE T T L w
E
E
f i
f i h c
eq
2 2
2
24

1
(2)
where, E is the modulus of elasticity of the cable material,
c
w is the own weight of the cable,
h
L is
the horizontal projection of the cable, A is the cross-sectional area of the cable,
i
T is the initial
tensile force in the cable during the load increment, and
f
T is the final tensile force in the cable
during the load increment.
4. Time-dependent analysis
In addition to the aforementioned three sources of geometric nonlinearity, several time-dependent
nonlinear factors influence the behaviour of prestressed concrete cable-stayed bridges. The time-
dependent nonlinear effects considered in this investigation are creep, shrinkage, aging of concrete,
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and losses in prestressing forces. In case of cable stayed bridges, due to the stress limitation in the
cable stay, the relaxation effect is negligible and can be practically ignored.
4.1. Creep strain model
The creep function is given by:
| | ) , ( 1
) (
1
) , (
o j
o c
o j
t t
t E
t t J | + = (3)
where ) , (
o j
t t | is the creep coefficient. In this investigation ACI creep model will be applied. ACI-
209 [11] recommends the following expression to calculate the creep coefficient;
) (
) ( 10
) (
) , (
6 . 0
6 . 0
o
o j
o j
o j
t
t t
t t
t t

+

= | | (4)
where ) (
o j
t t is time since application of load, and ) (
o
t

| is the ultimate creep coefficient, which

is defined as the ratio of the assumed creep strain at infinite time to the initial strain at loading.
To account for the stress history, the strain due to any stress history ) (t o may be obtained by
considering the history as the sum of increments ) t ( d
o
o applied at increments of time
o
t ;
) ( ) ( ). , ( ) (
0
j
o
o
t
o j
t t d t t J t
j
c o c + =
}
(5)
The numerical implementation of this integral can be accomplished using step-by-step time
integration as follows [10]:
)] , ( ) , ( [
) (
) (
)] , ( 1 [
) (
) (
) 1 (
1
1 1 j i
i
j
j i i i
t t J t t J
j E
j d
t t J
i E
i d
i

=
+ +
+ + = + A
o o
c (6)
Where ) 1 ( + A i c is the total strain increment for a time interval, ) 1 ( + i is the end of the current time
interval, i is the end of the previous time interval, and j represents time intervals prior to i.
The finite element formulation of creep strain is explained in details by Nour Eldeen [7].
4.2. Shrinkage strain model
In this investigation ACI shrinkage model will be applied. ACI-209 [11] proposed the following
direct model to calculate the shrinkage strain at time t, from the start of drying time, as follows
curing) steam (for
) ( 55
) (
) , (
curing) moist (for
) ( 35
) (
) , (

=
+

=
sh
o
o
o sh
sh
o
o
o sh
t t
t t
t t
t t
t t
t t
c c
c c
(7)
where
sh
c is the ultimate shrinkage.
The ultimate shrinkage depends on the age of the concrete member, relative humidity, member
thickness, and the composition of concrete. The procedure of calculating of the ultimate shrinkage
is detailed in ACI-209 [11] and its finite element formulation is explained in details by Nour Eldeen
[7].
4.3. Aging of concrete model
Aging of concrete is intricately associated with creep and shrinkage. The most important effect of
aging is the change of concrete modulus of elasticity over time. ACI-209 [11] presents the
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following two equations to express the modulus of elasticity as a function in concrete strength and
the concrete strength as a function of time.

28
) (
3 6
) (
10 8 . 42 ) (
cu cu
t cu c
f
Bt A
t
t f
f t E
+
=
=

(8)
where ) (t E
c
is the modulus of elasticity at the age t, and
) (t cu
f is the compressive strength of the
concrete at the age t,
8 2 cu
f is the compressive strength of the concrete at the age 28days, A and B
are two factors which depend on the type of cement and curing conditions.

5. Erection analysis
Erection analysis is required to confirm the bridge integrity and stability during the erection.
Moreover, this analysis is necessary to calculate the initial cable forces, geometric pre-camber, and
erection pre-camber. Figure 1 illustrates the input and the output of the erection analysis.



Fig. 1: Erection analysis input and output

Erection analysis is carried out either by a backward or forward analysis procedure.
5.1. Backward analysis procedure
Backward erection analysis is performed following a reversed direction to the actual sequence of
construction stages. It starts with the completed bridges, then releasing the continuity of the bridge.
The analysis continues by deactivating the segments and stay cables. The shape and the cable
pretension forces at each stage determined by the equilibrium condition is the desired correct
position for the bridge for the next construction stage, in which the deck should be pre-cambered.
This method is quick, straightforward, and does not need any shape iteration. However, it lacks to
account for the effect of time-dependent factors.
Erection analysis

Input
1. Cross sections, reinforcement and
prestressing details.
2. Final design cable forces.
3. Bridge profile.
4. Construction method and
equipment.
5. Construction sequence and schedule.
6. Concrete mix and its properties.

output
1. Initial cable forces.
2. Geometric precamber.
3. Erection precamber.
4. Confirmation of the structure
stability and integrity during
erection.

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5.2. Forward analysis procedure
Forward erection analysis is performed following exactly the sequence of construction stages. It
starts with the first stage of construction (usually the pylon and their foundation). The analysis
continues by activating the segments and stay cables. At each stage, cable forces and shape finding
is determined through iterative procedure till converges with a predetermined tolerance. The main
advantage of this method is that it takes the time-dependant factors into consideration and follows
the real construction sequence.
In this investigation the forward analysis procedure is applied.
6. Case study; Wadi Abdoun cable-stayed Bridge
Wadi Abdoun cable-stayed bridge in Amman, Jordan is used as a numerical example to
demonstrate the effect of the curvature in plan on the structural behaviour of the bridges and to
highlight the need for a twisting pre-camber to avoid the improper closure procedure. The bridge
was designed by Dar Al-Handasah consultant for the Municipality of Greater Amman and
constructed by Larsen and Toubro Company and open to traffic in 2006.



Fig. 2: Wadi Abdoun Bridge Fig. 3: Tower and deck shape



6.1. General description of the bridge
Wadi Abdoun Bridge is a dual carriageway bridge crossing a relatively deep valley in Amman. The
total length of the bridge is 417m consisting of a cable-stayed bridge of 390 m and an approach
simple span of 27m. The span arrangement of the cable-stayed bridge is 63m - 132m 132m 63m
with three pylons The bridge is on S curve in plan with radii of 180m each side as shown in figure
4. The three pylons are Y shaped as shown in figure 5. Because of the curvature in the horizontal
alignment, the cable stays are of spatial arrangement rather than falling into the typical double plane
cable arrangement as shown on the bridge plan in figure 4. The deck cross section is composed of
two outer box girders 7.585m wide, connected to an inner frame of 5.7 m wide through two
stitching concrete of 0.6 m wide each. Figure 6 illustrates the deck cross section.
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Fig. 4: Wadi Abdoun Bridge Elevation and Plan

Fig. 5: Pylon T2 arrangement and cross section
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Fig. 6: Typical deck cross section
6.2. Construction sequence of the bridge
Wadi Abdoun Bridge was constructed by free cantilevering method as shown in figure 7. Pylons
were constructed using climbing forms as shown in figure 8. The deck was constructed through
successive erecting of precast outer girder and inner frames then stitching them together as shown
in figures 9 and 10.
Fig. 7: Erection by balanced cantilever method Fig. 8: Construction of pylons

Fig. 9: Erection of outer girders









Fig. 10: Erection of inner frame
6.3. Simulation of the construction of the bridge
The construction stages were simulated and modelled using MIDAS Civil software. For the sake of
concluding the objectives of this investigation, the construction stages were lumped in 27 stages.
Stages 1and 2 simulate the construction of three pylons and the three pier tables at T1, T2, and T3.
Stages 3 to 22 simulate the successive erection cycles of erecting three un-stayed deck segments
followed by a stayed segment, installing and pretensioning the cable stay as shown in figure 11.
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Stage 23 represents the erection over-abutment segments and the last un-stayed segments at the
cantilever tips. Stage 24 simulates the preparation for the closure while stage 25 represents the
erection of the closure segments at the middle of the two main spans. Stages 26 and 27 simulate the
application of the parapets and wearing surface loads and second stage of pretensioning the stay
cables. Ten additional stages along 10,000 days are provided to track the effect of the locked-in
torsional moment applied at the closure.








Fig. 11: Structural model at stage 20.
6.4. Construction analysis results
Forward procedure analysis is carried out. Bending moments along the deck and the three pylons
were checked and confirmed to be within the relevant section capacities. Cable forces are also
checked and confirmed. The analysis shows that the tip of the curved cantilever deck erected from
T1 and T3 develop a rotation about the longitudinal axis of the bridge of 0.0014 radian, while the
straight deck erected from T3 does not develop any rotation. This encountered rotation leads to a
difference of 26 mm between the two edges of the 27.6m wide deck as at one side while the other
side is exactly horizontal.
This encountered contra-twist complicates the closure process. The two cantilevers had to be jacked
and twisted against each other to align the two cantilevers. Calculations show that a twisting
moment of 2350 kN.m has to be applied at the end of the four cantilevers to align the deck sections.
Figure 12 illustrates the application of this twisting moment at the closure between T1 and T2.
Similar twisting moment has to be applied at the closure between T2 and T3 sides.


Fig. 12: Application of twisting moment before closure

T2 side
T1 side
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6.5. Effect of the applied twisting moment
The applied twisting moment is locked in the bridge after the closure. Figure 13 shows the torsional
moment along the deck at stage 23 (just before applying the torsional moment), stage 24 (after
applying the torsional moment). The figure shows also the torsional moment distribution at the end
of the construction and after 10,000 days excluding this applied torsional moment.
Fig. 13: Torsional moment distribution along the deck

As explained earlier, the procedure results in locked-in torsional moment in the deck. Figure 14
illustrates the locked-in torsional moment due to the closure procedure at 10,000 days. This locked-
in torsional moment may be avoided by introducing a twisting camber in the deck during erection in
a way to reach two aligned halves at the closure.

Fig. 14: Locked-in torsional moment distribution along the deck at 10,000 days
7. Recommendations and conclusions
Four dimensional nonlinear finite element formulation and application for construction analysis for
curved segmental cable-stayed bridges is applied. This investigation demonstrates the effect of the
curvature in plan of the structural behaviour of the bridge during erection. It also highlights the
encountered difficulties in the closure process because of the developed contra-twist between the
two erected parts of the bridge. This contra-twist may be rectified through jacking up and down the
erected parts applying a torsional moments at the end of the two cantilevers prior to closure.
However this procedure locks this torsional moment in the bridge. Time-dependent factors help to
redistribute this locked-in torsional moment along the bridge. In closed box girder bridges, where
high torsional stiffness is expected, this locked-in moment has a minor effect on the final stresses.
However, this will not be the case for other deck cross section types.
-4000
-3500
-3000
-2500
-2000
-1500
-1000
-500
0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400
M
t


K
N
.
m

X m along the deck
locked-in tosional moment
-10000
-8000
-6000
-4000
-2000
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400
M
t


K
N
.
m

X m along the deck
Stage 23 stage 24
by the end of construction after 10,000 days
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To avoid such unexpected torsional moment, it is recommended to apply a twisting camber
progressively along the curved part of the bridge. This twisting camber should be calculated to
achieve a horizontal deck before the closure.
8. Acknowledgements
The author gratefully acknowledges the information about Wadi Abdoun Bridge provided by Dar
Al-Handasah consultant and the photos provided by L&T Company. The author also extends his
gratitude to MIDASoft inc. for providing Midas Civil software license for the purpose of producing
this investigation.
9. References
[1] PODOLNY, W., and SCALZI, J. B., "Construction and Design of Cable-Stayed Bridges,
Second Edition", Wiley, New York, 1986.
[2] FLEMING, J. F., "Nonlinear Static Analysis of Cable-Stayed Bridge Structures", Computers
and Structures, Vol. 10, October, 1979, pp. 621-635.
[3] REDDY P., GHABOUSSI J., and HAWKINS N., Simulation of Construction of Cable-
Stayed Bridges, ASCE Journal of Bridge Engineering, Vol. 4, No. 4, 1999, pp. 249-257.
[4] SCHLAICH M., Erection of Cable-Stayed Bridges Having Composite Decks With Precast
Concrete Slabs, ASCE Journal of Bridge Engineering, Vol. 6, No. 5, 2001, pp. 333-339.
[5] WANG P., TANG T., and ZHENG H., Analysis of Cable-Stayed Bridges during
Construction by Cantilever Methods, Computers and Structures, 82, 2004, pp. 329-346.
[6] NOUR ELDEEN H., Finite Element Analysis of Single Plane Cable-Stayed Bridges under
Construction by Cantilevering Method, A Thesis presented for the M.Sc. degree in
structural engineering (unpublished), January 1998.
[7] NOUR ELDEEN H., Time-Dependent Analysis of Prestressed Cable-Stayed Bridges
Constructed by Cantilevering Method, A Thesis presented for the degree of Doctor of
Philosophy in structural engineering (unpublished), June 2006.
[8] HEGAB H., TAWFIK O., NEMIR M., and NOUR ELDEEN H., Geometric Nonlinearity of
Single-Plane Cable-Stayed Bridges during Cantilevering, IABSE Bridge Engineering
Conference, Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. March 2000.
[9] HEGAB H., TAWFIK O., NEMIR M., and NOUR ELDEEN H., Time-Dependent Analysis
of Prestressed Concrete Cable-Stayed Bridges, the 11
th
International Colloquium on
Structural and Geotechnical Engineering, Cairo, Egypt, Ain Shams University, Faculty of
Engineering, May 2005.
[10] HEGAB H., TAWFIK O., NEMIR M., and NOUR ELDEEN H., Staged-Construction
Analysis of Segmental Prestressed Concrete Cable-Stayed Bridges, the 11
th
International
Colloquium on Structural and Geotechnical Engineering, Cairo, Egypt, Ain Shams
University, Faculty of Engineering, May 2005.
[11] "Prediction of Creep, Shrinkage, and Temperature Effects in Concrete Structures", American
Concrete Institute, ACI Committee 209, Report No. ACI 209R.