Stay Cable Anchorage System Tests

The use of cable stays in bridge structures is not new to the field of structural engineering. Documented use of such structures dates back over 350 years. Given the relatively high rate of failure of many of these earlier structures, though, cable-stayed bridges apparently fell from favor with bridge builders [1]. In the last 50 years, however, the cable-stayed bridge has been resurrected as a viable design alternative.

Several factors exist for the resurgence of this type of structure. In recent years the costs associated with designing and constructing a bridge structure of large span have increased appreciably, and it has been shown that the cable-stayed alternative is an economical choice for many span lengths. More efficient use of high-strength steels in cable-stayed bridge structures has also made this type of bridge favorable. Increased knowledge of the behavior of steel and better quality control in the fabrication process have helped to eliminate many of the modes of failures that previously occurred with bridge structures of this type. In addition, the high degree of indeterminacy associated with cable-stayed bridges no longer poses a monumental task of analysis as more powerful tools of analysis are now available. Finally, the aesthetic qualities afforded by a cable-stayed bridge structure are virtually unparalleled. These factors, among others, have helped to bring the cable-stayed bridge a respectable status as an economical and safe design alternative.