Comparison of Different Types of Pylon Shapes on Seismic Behaviour of Cable-Stayed Bridges

Abstract

Cable-stayed bridges are the most flexible bridges and getting popularity because of its economy for longer spans and aesthetics. This study focuses on the effect of the shape of the pylon on the seismic response of cable-stayed bridge. For this study, complete geometry, material properties, loads and boundary conditions of the Quincy Bayview Bridge are considered from the past published literature. The bridge span dimension and other parameters are kept constant, and the only shape of the pylon is varied viz. A type, H type, inverted Y shapes. The height of the pylon is kept constant for all the numerical models for comparison purposes. The 3D bridge model is modeled using SAP 2000 software and analyzed for three earthquake ground motions Bhuj 2001, Loma Prieta 1989 and El Centro earthquake 1940. The seismic response of bridge at various locations are considered and compared. The study shows that the shape of the pylon has got great influence on the seismic behavior of cable-stayed bridge.