A multiblock unilateral concept for passive control of prestressed bridges

A new design concept for large bridges, which is based on an integrated hanging-cable and deck-structure system with unilaterally connected blocks and which is stabilized by prestressed cables is proposed in this paper. Potential advantages of the new design concept with the traditional method of cable-supported and suspension bridges are discussed. The novel passive control system is based on a two-level prestressing cables mechanism where permanent (dead) loads are relieved by the first level prestressing cables and moving loads together with excessive displacements are supported by the second level prestressing system. A simplified solution method is proposed which is suitable for preliminary civil engineering design.

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