Static and seismic studies on steel/concrete hybrid towers for multi-span cable-stayed bridges

A new type of hybrid high tower is proposed and applied to a multi-span cable-stayed bridge. This is basically a sandwich type structure and consists of a steel double box section filled with concrete. The filled concrete increases its strength due to the confined effect and the steel plates increase the resistance against local buckling because the deformation is restricted by the filled concrete. Therefore, this hybrid tower is expected to have high bending and compressive strength, and also a good ductile property. First, static analysis is conducted for different live load intensity and distribution because the multi-span cable-stayed bridge is a new structure and its static behavior is not fully understood. The live loads distributed in alternate spans give larger bending moment of the towers than the live loads distributed in full spans. Towers with three different heights are also studied, showing that the higher tower produces smaller displacements and bending moments. Safety of the tower is checked by the limit states design method. Serviceability is not a major problem for the hybrid tower. Second, seismic analysis is carried out for a multi-span cable-stayed bridge subjected to the medium and ultra-strong seismic waves specified in Japanese Seismic Code for Highway Bridges. Three support conditions of the girder at the tower cross beams are compared: movable, connection with linear springs and bi-linear springs. Bi-linear springs are very effective in reducing the dynamic displacements and bending moments of the towers. Restorability of the composite tower is checked when an ultra-strong seismic wave hits the model bridge. This study shows that a new steel/concrete hybrid tower is feasible for multi-span cable-stayed bridges and most effective for seismic forces when the girder is connected with bi-linear springs.