Design principles of cable supported bridges, numerical analysis and evaluation of an existing cable stayed bridge

In this study, which is presented as a Master of Science Thesis, working principles of cable supported bridges are investigated, a hand calculation method used for preliminary design stage of cable stayed bridges is given, an analysis of an existing cable stayed bridge subjected to live loading and seismic load has been performed, a practicable method of analysis by using a computer program explained, and finally the results obtained by using a linear time history method have been evaluated. In the first chapter of the thesis, consisting of five chapters, the subject matter is explained, the relevant literature survey concerning cable stayed bridges is reviewed and the objective and scope of the study explained. In the second chapter, the historical background of cable supported bridges is investigated, basic characteristics, structural elements and working principles of cable supported bridges are explained and a hand calculation method used at the preliminary design stage of a sample cable stayed bridge is shown. In addition, the sample cable stayed bridges in Turkey and abroad are referred to. The third chapter is devoted to the analysis of an existing cable stayed bridge under live loads and seismic loading. In this chapter, the geometrical properties of this cable stayed bridge is given, a nonlinear analysis of the bridge under its selfweight has been carried out, and the prestressing forces of the cables have been optimized. Subsequently, the loading types are explained and the cross-sections of bridge are checked under such loading. In the fourth chapter, a linear time history analysis is applied on the existing cable stayed bridge. Based on the results of this analysis, the accuracy of the assumptions concerning the sample cable stayed bridge which is designed as explained in chapter three are checked and evaluated. The fifth chapter comprises the results achieved in this study. In addition, several suggestions have been made for a further study on the relevant subject matter.