Static behavior of a new type of cable-arch bridge

Cable-arch bridge is a new type of hybrid bridge, and its development has great engineering significance. To understand the mechanical characteristics of cable-arch bridge, in the present work, a model cable-arch bridge was constructed, and its static behavior was investigated using the finite element method and experimental test. The analytical and experimental results were compared, and qualitatively good agreement has been exhibited. By considering the geometrical and/or material nonlinearity of the cable-arch bridge, the linear and nonlinear stability was studied further analytically. The results show that the cables and wind bracing have a significant influence on the mechanical behavior of the cable-arch bridge. Compared with arch bridges, the cable-arch bridge has a larger ultimate bearing capacity, a better in-plane and out-of-plane stability, and a superior capacity to resist various live loads. Such a cable-arch bridge should have a bright future in the development of long-span bridges.

► A model cable-arch bridge is investigated experimentally and numerically.
► The bridge has a superior behavior especially in bearing capacity and stability.
► The bridge has a superior capacity to resist against various live loads.
► Cables can considerably influence the mechanical behavior of a cable-arch bridge.
► Wind bracing can significantly improve the out-of-plane stability of the bridge.