Cable Stayed Backward

Advanced Application 2
Final and Construction Stage Analysis for

a Cable-Stayed Bridge
CONTENTS
Summary ................................................................................................... 4
Bridge Dimensions ··················································································· 4
Loading··································································································· 5
Working Condition Setting········································································· 6
Definition of Material and Section Properties ··················································· 6
Final Stage Analysis .............................................................................. 11

Bridge Modeling······················································································ 12
2D Model Generation ··············································································· 13
Girder Modeling ······················································································ 14
Tower Modeling ······················································································ 15
3D Model Generation ··············································································· 18
Main Girder Cross Beam Generation··························································· 20
Tower Cross Beam Generation ·································································· 21
Tower Bearing Generation ········································································ 19
End Bearing Generation ··········································································· 26
Boundary Condition Input ········································································· 28
Initial Cable Prestress Calculation ······························································ 31
Loading Condition Input············································································ 32
Loading Input ························································································· 29
Perform Structural Analysis ······································································· 37
Final Stage Analysis Results Review .................................................. 37

Load Combination Generation ··································································· 37
Unknown Load Factors Calculation ····························································· 38
Deformed Shape Review ·········································································· 38
Construction Stage Analysis................................................................ 39

Construction Stage Category ····································································· 44
Cannibalization Stage Category ································································· 45
Backward Construction Stage Analysis ························································ 46
Input Initial Cable Prestress······································································· 48
Define Construction Stage ········································································ 48
Assign Structure Group ············································································ 49
Assign Boundary Group ··········································································· 56
Assign Load Group·················································································· 59
Assign Construction Stage ········································································ 58
Input Construction Stage Analysis Data ······················································· 60
Perform Structural Analysis ······································································· 60
Review Construction Stage Analysis Results ................................... 65

Review Deformed Shapes ········································································ 65
Review Bending Moments ········································································ 66
Review Axial Forces ················································································ 67
Construction Stage Analysis Graphs ·························································· 68
ADVANCED APPLICATIONS
Summary
Cable-stayed bridges are structural systems effectively composing cables, main girders and
towers. This bridge form has a beautiful appearance and easily fits in with the surrounding
environment due to the fact that various structural systems can be created by changing the
tower shapes and cable arrangements.
Cable-stayed bridges are structures that require a high degree of technology for both design and
construction, and hence demand sophisticated structural analysis and design techniques when
compared with other types of conventional bridges.
In addition to static analysis for dead and live loads, a dynamic analysis must also be
performed to determine eigenvalues. Also moving load, earthquake load and wind load
analyses are essentially required for designing a cable-stayed bridge.
To determine the cable prestress forces that are introduced at the time of cable installation, the
initial equilibrium state for dead load at the final stage must be determined first. Then,
construction stage analysis according to the construction sequence is performed.
This tutorial explains techniques for modeling a cable-stayed bridge, calculating initial cable
prestress forces, performing construction stage analysis and reviewing the output data. The
model used in this tutorial is a three span continuous cable-stayed bridge composed of a 220 m
center span and 100 m side spans. Below shows the bridge layout.
Cable-stayed bridge analytical model
4
FINAL AND CONSTRUCTION STAGE ANALYSIS FOR CABLE-STAYED BRIDGES
Bridge Dimensions
The bridge model used in this tutorial is simplified because its purpose is to explain the
analytical sequences, and so its dimensions may differ from those of a real structure.
The dimensions and loadings for the three span continuous cable-stayed bridge are as follows:
Bridge type Three span continuous cable-stayed bridge (self-anchored)

Bridge length L = 100 m+220 m+100 m = 420 m
Bridge Width B = 15.6 m (2 lanes)
Lanes 2 lane structure
m
m
m
2@3 + 8@10 + 14 = m 14 + 9@10 + 12 + 9@10 + 14 = m 14 + 8@10 + 2@3 = m
General layout
Loading
 Self-weight: Automatically calculated within the program

 We input initial cable  Additional dead load: pavement, railing and parapets
prestress force values, which
 Initial cable prestress forces: Cable prestress forces that satisfy
can be calculated by built-in
initial equilibrium state at the final stage
optimization technique in
MIDAS CIVIL NX.
Tower layout
5
Working Condition Setting
To perform the final stage analysis for the cable-stayed bridge, open a new file and save it as
‘Cable Stayed Backward’, and start modeling. Assign ‘m’ for length unit and ‘kN’ for force
unit. This unit system can be changed any time during the modeling process for user’s
convenience.
Click on - New Project

- Save (Cable Stayed Backward)
Tools / Unit System
Length>m; Force (Mass)>kN (ton) 
Unit System
Definition of Material and Section Properties
Input material properties for the cables, main girders, towers, cross beams between the main
girders and tower cross beams. Click button under Material tab in Properties
dialog box.
6
Properties / Material Properties
Material ID (1); Name (Cable); Type of Design>User Defined;

User Defined>Standard >None; Type of Material>Isotropic;
Analysis Data>Modulus of Elasticity (1.9613e8); Poisson’s Ratio (0.3)
Weight Density (77.09) 
Input material properties for the main girders, towers (pylons), cross beams between the main
girders and tower cross beams similarly. The input values are shown in the following table.
Material Properties
Material Modulus of Elasticity Weight Density
Name Poisson’s Ratio
ID (kN/m2) (kN/m3)
1 Cable 1.9613×108 0.3 77.09

8
2 Girder 1.9995×10 0.3 77.09
3 Pylon 2.78×107 0.2 23.56
8
4 CBeam_Girder 1.9613×10 0.3 77.09
5 CBeam_Pylon 2.78×107 0.2 23.56
7
Defined Material Properties
8
Input section properties for the cables, main girders, towers (pylons), cross beams between the
main girders and tower cross beams. Click button under Section tab in Properties
dialog box.
Properties / Section
Value tab
Section ID (1); Name (Cable); Built-Up Section (on); Consider Shear Deformation (on);
Section Shape>Solid Rectangle; Section Properties>Area (0.0052) 
Input section properties for the main girders, towers (pylons), cross beams between the main
girders and tower cross beams similarly. The values are shown in the following table.
Section Properties
Section Area Ixx Iyy Izz
Name
ID (m2) (m4) (m4) (m4)
1 Cable 0.0052 0.0 0.0 0.0

2 Girder 0.3092 0.007 0.1577 4.7620
3 Pylon 9.2000 19.51 25.5670 8.1230
4 CBeam_Girder 0.0499 0.0031 0.0447 0.1331
5 CBeam_Pylon 7.2000 15.79 14.4720 7.9920
9
Defined Section Properties
10
Final Stage Analysis
After completion of the final stage modeling for the cable-stayed bridge, we calculate the
initial cable prestress forces for self-weights and additional dead loads. After that, we perform
initial equilibrium state analysis with the calculated initial prestress forces.
To perform structural modeling of the cable-stayed bridge, we first generate a 2D model by

Cable Stayed Bridge Wizard provided in MIDAS CIVIL NX. We then copy the 2D model
symmetrically to generate a 3D model. Initial cable forces introduced in the final stage can
easily be calculated by the Unknown Load Factors function, which is based on an optimization
technique. The final model of the cable-stayed bridge is shown in figure below.
Final Model for Cable-Stayed Bridge
11
Bridge Modeling
In this tutorial, the analytical model for the final stage analysis will be completed first and
subsequently analyzed. The final stage model will then be saved under a different name, and
then using this model the construction stage model will be developed.
Modeling process for the final stage analysis of the cable-stayed bridge is as follows:
1. 2D Model Generation by Cable-Stayed Bridge Wizard

2. Tower Modeling
3. Expand into a 3D Model
4. Main Girder Cross Beam Generation
5. Tower Bearing Generation
6. End Bearing Generation
7. Boundary Condition Input
8. Initial Cable Prestress Force Calculation by Unknown Load Factors
9. Loading Condition and Loading Input
10. Perform Structural Analysis
11. Unknown Load Factors Calculation
12
2D Model Generation
 Using the Cable Stayed Bridge MIDAS CIVIL NX provides a Cable-Stayed Bridge Wizard function that can automatically
Wizard function, a 2D model can generate a 2D cable-stayed bridge model based on basic structural dimensions of the bridge.
be generated automatically Input basic structural dimensions of the cable-stayed bridge in the Cable-Stayed Bridge Wizard
based on material and section as follows.
properties of the cables, main
girders and towers.
Front View Point Grid (off) Point Grid Snap (off)
Line Grid Snap (off) Node Snap (on) Elements Snap (on)

 If Truss is selected as the element Structure /
type for cables, truss elements are Type>Symmetric Bridge
generated; and if Cable is
selected, it will automatically
A>X (m) (0) ; Z (m) (25) ; B>X (m) (100) ; Z (m) (90)

generate equivalent truss elements Height>H1 (m) (90)
for linear analysis and elastic
Material>Cable>1:Cable ; Deck>2:Girder ; Tower>3:Pylon
catenary cable elements for
nonlinear analysis. Section>Cable>1:Cable ; Deck>2:Girder ; Tower>3:Pylon

Select Cable & Hanger Element Type>Truss
 Input vertical slopes as 5% for 
both side spans, and use a Shape of Deck (on)>Left Slope (%) (5) ; Arc Length (m) (220)
circular curve for the center Cable Distances & Heights
span, which is continuous from
Left>Distance (m) (3, 8@10, 14) ; Height (m) (1.2, [email protected], 3@2, [email protected], 45)
each side span.
Center>Distance (m) (14, 9@10, 12, 9@10, 14) 
 If Drawing in View option is
selected, the 2D model shape,
which will be generated based
on the input dimensions, can be
viewed in the wizard window.
Cable-Stayed Bridge Wizard Dialog Box
13
Girder Modeling
Duplicated nodes will be generated at the tower locations since the Cable-Stayed Bridge
Wizard will generate the main girders as a simple beam type for the side and center spans. This
tutorial example is a continuous self-anchored cable-stayed bridge. We will use the Merge
Node function to make the girders continuous at the tower locations.
Node Number (on) Front View
Node/Element / Merge Nodes
Merge>All
Tolerance (0.001)
Remove Merged Nodes (on) 
Generated 2D Model of the Cable-Stayed Bridge
14
Tower Modeling
The upper and lower widths of the towers are 15.600 m and 19.600 m respectively. To model
the inclined towers, the lower parts of the towers will be moved 2m in the –Y direction using
the Translate Node function.
Right View Auto Fitting Node Number (off)
Node/Element / Translate Nodes
Select Window (Nodes: A)

Mode>Move; Translation>Equal Distance; dx, dy, dz ( 0, -2, 0 ) 
Arrangement of Inclined Towers
15
 Detailed explanation for Beta Note that the local coordinate system of the inclined tower elements is changed with the
Angle can be found in
movement of the nodes. The y & z-axes become rotated by 90° when the element is inclined -
“Tutorial for 3D Simple 2-Bay
Frame” or “Truss Element” this is a built-in feature of the program. To revert y & z axes to their original positions, the

parts in “Types of Elements Beta Angle is changed to -90°. By changing the Beta Angle of the tower elements to -90°,
and Important Considerations” we also make the local element coordinate systems of the upper and lower tower elements
in “Analysis for Civil coincide for the ease of reviewing analysis results.
Structures”.
Display
Element>Local Axis (on) 
Node/Element / Change Element Parameters
View> Select > Select Intersect (Elements: A)
Parameter Type> Element Local Axis (on)> Beta Angle

Beta Angle (Deg) (-90) 
Local Element Axis Transformation for Tower Elements
16
To generate the tower cross beams, divide the tower elements in the Z-axis direction by Divide
Elements.
Node/ Element / Divide Elements
Select Previous
Divide>Element type>Frame; Unequal Distance
x (m) (10, 36) 
10.0 m
36.0 m
Division of Tower Elements
17
3D Model Generation
To generate the 3D model, we move the 2D model –7.800m in the Y direction, as the bridge
width is 15.600 m.
Node/Element / Translate
Select All
Mode>Move; Translation>Equal Distance; dx, dy, dz ( 0, -7.8, 0 ) 
Moving 2D Model –7.8 m in the Y direction
18
We now copy the cables, main girders and towers symmetrically with respect to the centerline
of the bridge. At this time, we will check on Mirror Element (Beta) Angle to match the local
coordinates of the copied towers to those of the origin towers.
Node /Element / Mirror Elements

Select All
Mode>Copy
Reflection>z-x plane (m) ( 0 )
Copy Element Attributes (on) ; Mirror Beta Angle (on) 
Generating 3D Model
19
Main Girder Cross Beam Generation
Clear Display for the element coordinate axes and then generate the crossbeams between the
main girders by the Extrude Element function, which creates line elements from nodes.
Top View
Display
Element> Local Axis (off) 
Node/Element / Extrude Elements
Select Identity - Nodes

Select Type>Material, Nodes (on), Elements (off)
Select Type >2: Girder, Add
Unselect window (Nodes: A)
Extrude Type>Node → Line Element
Element Attribute>Element Type>Beam
Material>4: CBeam_Girder
Section>4: CBeam_Girder
Generation Type>Translate
Translation>Equal Distance; dx, dy, dz (0, -15.6, 0)
Number of Times (1) 
Main Girder Cross Beam Generation

20
Tower Cross Beam Generation

Before generating the tower cross beams, we activate only the tower elements for effective
modeling.
Front View
Select Single
Activate
Selecting Tower Elements
21
Generate the tower cross beams by the Create Element function.
Iso View / Node Number (on) / Element Snap (off)
Node/Element / Create Elements
Element type>General Beam/Tapered Beam

Material>5: CBeam_Pylon
Section>5: CBeam_Pylon

Nodal Connectivity (142, 72) (145, 73) (144, 74) (147, 75)
Tower Cross Beam Generation
22
Tower Bearing Generation

Create new nodes at the tower bearing locations by the Project Nodes function.
Node/Element /
Mode>Copy; Projection Type>Project nodes on a plane
Select Single (Nodes: 34, 137, 57, 139)
  
Base Plane Definition>P1 (145) ;P2 (73) ; P3 (75) ; Direction>Normal
Merge Duplicate Nodes (on); Intersect Frame Elem. (on) 
23
Generate nodes at the tower bearing locations using the Translate Nodes function to reflect the
bearing heights.
Node/Element / Translate
Select Single (Nodes: 149 to 152)

Mode>Copy; Translation>Equal Distance
dx, dy, dz ( 0, 0, 0.27) 
Tower Bearing Location Generation
24
Model the tower bearings using the element link elements.
Bearing properties are as follows:

SDx: 199,736,032 kN/m
SDy: 73,373 kN/m
SDz: 73,373 kN/m
Boundary / Elastic Link
Zoom Window
Options>Add; Link Type>General Type
SDx (kN/m) (199736032); SDy (kN/m) (73373); SDz (kN/m) (73373)

 Simultaneously input Copy Elastic Link (on)>Axis>x; Distances (m) (220)
elastic link elements for 
2 Nodes (151,155)
both towers by entering 
tower spacing of 220 m. 2 Nodes (149,153)
25
End Bearing Generation

Generate nodes at the end bearing locations using the Translate Nodes function.
Activate All
Node/Element / Translate…
Select Single (Nodes: 76, 24, 135, 68)

Mode>Copy; Translation>Unequal Distance
Axis>z; Distance (m) (-4.5, -0.27) 
Generating Nodes at the End Bearing Locations
26
Model the end bearings using the element link elements.
Bearing properties are as follows:

SDx: 199,736,032 kN/m
SDy: 73,373 kN/m
SDz: 73,373 kN/m
Boundary / Elastic Link
Zoom Window (A in figure below)

Options>Add; Link Type>General Type
SDx (kN/m) (199736032); SDy (kN/m) (73373); SDz (kN/m) (73373)
 Generate the elastic links 
Copy Elastic Link (on) > Axis>x; Distances (m) (414)
simultaneously for the right 
end. The distance between
2 Nodes (159,163)

the ends is 420-3*2= 414 2 Nodes (157,161)
m.
Generating End Pier Bearings
27
Boundary Condition Input

Boundary conditions for the analytical model are as follows:
 Tower base, Pier base: Fixed condition (Dx, Dy, Dz, Rx, Ry, Rz)
 Connections between Main Girders and Bearings: Rigid Link (Dx, Dy, Dz, Rx, Ry, Rz)
Input boundary conditions for the tower and pier bases.
Front View
Boundary / Supports
Select Window (Nodes: A, B, C, D)

Boundary Group Name>Default
Options>Add; Support Type>D-ALL, R-ALL (on) 
Specifying Fixed Boundary Conditions for Tower and Pier Bases
28
Connect the centroids of the main girders to the tower bearings using Rigid Link.
Iso View
Boundary / Rigid Link

Boundary Group Name>Default; Options>Add
Copy Rigid Link (on); Axis>x; Distances (m) (220)
Typical Type> (DOF of Rigid Link>DX, DY, DZ, RX, RY, RZ)
Master Node number (155); Select Single (Node: 137) 
Connecting Main Girders and Tower Bearings using Rigid Link
29
Connect the centroids of the main girders to the pier bearings using Rigid Link.
Boundary / Rigid Link

Boundary Group Name>Default; Options>Add/Replace
Copy Rigid Link (on); Axis>x; Distances (m) (414)
Typical Type> (DOF of Rigid Link>DX, DY, DZ, RX, RY, RZ)
Connecting Main Girders and Pier Bearings using Rigid Link
30
Initial Cable Prestress Calculation

The initial cable prestress, which is balanced with dead loads, is introduced to improve section
forces in the main girders and towers, and cable tensions and support reactions in the bridge. It
requires many iterative calculations to obtain initial cable prestress forces because a cable-
stayed bridge is a highly indeterminate structure. And there are no unique solutions for
calculating cable prestresses directly. Each designer may select different initial prestresses for
an identical cable-stayed bridge.
The Unknown Load Factor function in MIDAS CIVIL NX is based on an optimization

technique, and it is used to calculate optimum load factors that satisfy specific boundary
conditions for a structure. It can be used effectively for the calculation of initial cable
prestresses.
The procedure of calculating initial prestresses for cable-stayed bridges by Unknown Load
Factor is outlined in the following table.
Step 1 Cable-Stayed Bridge Modeling
Generate Load Conditions for Dead Loads for Main Girders and
Step 2
Unit Pretension Loads for Cables
Step 3 Input Dead Loads and Unit Loads
Step 4 Load Combinations for Dead Loads and Unit Loads
Calculate unknown load factors using the Unknown Load Factor

Step 5
function
Step 6 Review Analysis Results and Calculate Initial Prestresses
Flowchart for Initial Cable Prestress Calculation
31
Loading Condition Input

Input loading conditions for self-weight, superimposed dead load and unit loads for cables to
calculate initial prestresses for the dead load condition. The number of required unknown
initial cable prestress values will be set at 20, as the bridge is a symmetric cable-stayed bridge,
which has 20 cables on each side of each tower. Input loading conditions for each of the 20
cables.
Load / / Static Load Cases

Name (SelfWeight); Type>Dead Load
 It may be more convenient to Description (Self Weight) 
use the MCT Command Shell
for the input of loading Name (Additional Load); Type>Dead Load
conditions *STLDCASE>
INSERT DATA>RUN Description (Additional Load) 
Name (Tension 1); Type>User Defined Load

Description (Cable1- UNIT PRETENSION) 
….
Name (Tension 20); Type>User Defined Load
Description (Cable20- UNIT PRETENSION) 
Input the loading conditions repeatedly from Name (Tension 1) to Name (Tension 20).
Generation of Loading Conditions for Dead Loads and Unit Loads

32
Loading Input
Input the self-weight, superimposed dead load for the main girders and unit loads for the cables.
After entering the self-weight, input the superimposed dead load that includes the effects of
barriers, parapets and pavement. Input unit pretension loads for the cable elements for which
initial cable prestresses will be calculated. First, input the self-weight.
Node Number (off)
Load / / Self Weight

Load Case Name>SelfWeight
Load Group Name>Default
Self Weight Factor>Z (-1) 
Entering Self-Weight
33
Specify superimposed dead loads for the main girders. Divide and load the superimposed dead
loads for the two main girders.
Input the superimposed dead load –18.289 kN/m, which is due to barriers, pavement, etc by the
Element Beam Loads function.
Load / / Element Beam loads

Select identity - Elements
Select Type>Material>Girder 
Load Case Name>Additional Load; Options>Add
 If the superimposed dead Load Type>Uniform Loads; Direction>Global Z
loads are applied to inclined 
Projection>Yes
elements, true loads will be
applied reflecting the actual Value>Relative; x1 (0), x2 (1), w (-18.289) 
element lengths.
Entering Superimposed Dead Loads to Main Girders
34
Input a unit pretension load to each cable. For the case of a symmetric cable-stayed bridge,
identical initial cable prestresses will be introduced to each of the corresponding cables
symmetrically to the bridge center. As such, we will input identical loading conditions to the
cable pairs that form the symmetry.
Front View
Load / / Pretension Loads
View/ / Select Intersect (Elements: A)

View/ / Select Intersect (Elements: B)
Load Case Name>Tension 1; Load Group Name>Default
Options>Add; Pretension Load (1) 
…
Load Case Name>Tension 20; Load Group Name>Default
Options>Add; Pretension Load (1) 
Entering Unit Pretension Load to Cables
35
Input the unit pretension loads for all the cables repeatedly from Tension 2 to Tension 20
according to the following table.
Loading Conditions and Element Numbers

Load Case Element No. Load Case Element No.
Tension 1 1, 40, 111, 150 Tension 11 20, 21, 130, 131
Tension 2 2, 39, 112, 149 Tension 12 19, 22, 129, 132
Tension 3 3, 38, 113, 148 Tension 13 18, 23, 128, 133
Tension 4 4, 37, 114, 147 Tension 14 17, 24, 127, 134
Tension 5 5, 36, 115, 146 Tension 15 16, 25, 126, 135
Tension 6 6, 35, 116, 145 Tension 16 15, 26, 125, 136
Tension 7 7, 34, 117, 144 Tension 17 14, 27, 124, 137
Tension 8 8, 33, 118, 143 Tension 18 13, 28, 123, 138
Tension 9 9, 32, 119, 142 Tension 19 12, 29, 122, 139
Tension 10 10, 31, 120, 141 Tension 20 11, 30, 121, 140
Check the unit pretension loads entered for the cables using Display.
Unit Pretension Loads entered for Cables
36
Perform Structural Analysis

Perform static analysis for self-weight, superimposed dead loads and unit pretension loads for
the cables.
Analysis / Perform Analysis 
Final Stage Analysis Results Review

Load Combination Generation
Create load combinations using the 20 loading conditions for cable unit pretension loading,
self-weights and superimposed dead loads.
Results / Combinations
General Tab
Load Combination List>Name>(LCB 1); Active>Active; Type>Add
LoadCase>SelfWeight (ST); Factor (1.0)
LoadCase>Additional Load (ST); Factor (1.0)
LoadCase>Tension 1(ST); Factor (1.0)
…
LoadCase>Tension 20(ST); Factor (1.0) 
Repeat input for cable loading conditions from Tension 1(ST) to Tension 20 (ST).
Creating Load Combinations

37
Unknown Load Factors Calculation

Calculate unknown load factors that satisfy the boundary conditions by the Unknown Load
Factor function for LCB1, which was generated through load combination. The constraints are
specified to limit the vertical deflection (Dz) of the girders.
Specify the load condition, constraints and method of forming the object function in Unknown
Load Factor. First, we define the cable unit loading conditions as unknown loads.
Results / / Unknown Load Factor
Unknown Load Factor Group>

Item Name (Unknown); Load Comb>LCB 1
Object function type>Square; Sign of unknowns>Both
LCase>SelfWeight (off)
LCase>Additional Load (off)
Unknown Load Factor Dialog Box
38
Specify the constraining conditions, which restrict the vertical displacement (Dz) of the main
girders by the Constraints function.
Constraints>
Constraint Name (Node 23)
 In this tutorial, we will apply Constraint Type>Displacement
constraints to restrict the 
vertical displacement of the Node ID (23)
main girders. Because the Component>Dz
analytical model is symmetric,
Equality/Inequality Condition>Inequality; Upper Bound (0.01); Lower Bound (-0.01)
we define only half of the main
girders with constraints. Use 
Node 23 to Node 45 on the Constraints>
left half of the bridge as
constraints. Constraints Name (Node 24)
Constraints Type>Displacement
Node ID (24)
Component>Dz
Equality/Inequality Condition>Inequality; Upper Bound (0.01); Lower Bound (-0.01)

Repeatedly input the remaining constraints from Node 25 to Node 45 of the main girder. Node
35 is excluded because it was deleted by Merge Nodes.
 The constraints for calculating
Unknown Load Factors can be
easily entered by MCT
Command Shell *UNKCONS
> INSERT DATA >RUN
Constraint Dialog Box
39
We now check the constraints used to calculate the initial cable prestresses and unknown load

factors in Unknown Load Factor Result.
 The explanations for the Unknown Load Factor Group>

calculation of unknown
load factors can be found Figure below shows the analysis results for unknown load factors calculated by Unknown
in “Solution for Unknown Load Factor.
Loads using Optimization
Technique” in Analysis
for Civil Structures.
Analysis Results for Unknown Load Factors
40
We now check to see if the calculation results satisfy the constraints by generating a new
loading combination using the unknown load factors.
Influence Matrix (on)

Make Load Combination>Name>(LCB 2)  
Results>Combination 
Load Combinations are shown in figure below.
New Load Combination using Unknown Load Factors
41
Deformed Shape Review

We now confirm deflections at the final stage to which initial cable prestresses, self-weights
and superimposed dead loads are applied.
Tools / Unit System
Length>mm 
Result / / Deformed Shape
Load Cases/Combinations>CB:LCB 2
Components>DXYZ
Type of Display>Undeformed (on); Legend (on) ; Values (on)
Deform

 If the default Deformation Scale Factor (0.3) 
Deformation Scale
Zoom Window (A, B)
Factor is too large,
we can adjust the
factor.
Deformed Shape
42
Construction Stage Analysis
To design a cable-stayed bridge, its construction stages should be defined to check the stability
during construction. The structural system could change significantly based on the erection
method. And the change of system during construction can result in more critical condition for
the structure compared to the state of the final stage. As such, an accurate construction stage
analysis should be performed for designing a cable-stayed bridge to check the stability and to
review stresses for the structure.
The cable prestresses, which are introduced during the construction of a cable-stayed bridge,
could be calculated by backward analysis from the final stage. To perform a construction stage
analysis, construction stages should be defined to consider the effects of the activation and
deactivation of main girders, cables, cable anchorage, boundary conditions, loads, etc. Each
stage must be defined to represent a meaningful structural system, which changes during
construction.
43
Construction Stage Category

In construction stage analysis, we need to consider constantly changing structures, boundary
conditions and loading conditions, which are different in every stage. Using the final stage
model, we can then generate the structural systems for each construction stage. In this tutorial,
we will consider the stages from the construction stage, which represents completion of the
towers and the main girders of the side spans, to the construction stage, which applies loading
for superimposed dead loads.
The construction basics for the cable-stayed bridge in this tutorial are as follows:
 Towers
Large Block construction method
 Main Girders
Side Spans : Temporary Bents + Large Block method
Center Span: Small Block method by Traveler Crane
 Cables
Direct Lifting by Truck Crane
Side Span Girder Erection by Temp. Bents Cable Tensioning and Additional
Girder Erection
Part of Center Span Girder Erection and Cable Cable Tensioning and Additional
Tensioning Girder Erection
Cable Tensioning and Additional Key Segment Installation and Applying

Girder Erection Superimposed Dead Load
Construction Sequence for Analytical Model
44
Cannibalization Stage Category

In this tutorial, 33 cannibalization stages are generated to simulate the changes of loading and
boundary conditions.
The cannibalization stages applied in this tutorial are outlined in the following table.
Cannibalization Stage Category

Stage Content Stage Content
Final Stage (Dead Load+Superimposed
CS 0 CS 17 Main Girder (6) removal
Dead Load+Initial Prestress)
CS 1 Superimposed Dead Load removal CS 18 Cable (15, 26) removal
Apply Temporary Bents & Key Segment
CS 2 CS 19 Cable (6, 35) removal
removal (Main Girder No. 11)
CS 3 Cable (20, 21) removal CS 20 Main Girder (5) removal
CS 4 Cable (1,40) removal CS 21 Cable (14, 27) removal
CS 5 Main Girder (10) removal CS 22 Cable (7, 34) removal
CS 7 Cable (2, 39) removal CS 24 Cable (13, 28) removal
CS 16 Cable (5, 36) removal
* Cable (1) is outer cable and Cable (10) is inner cable in the left span.
* Cable (11, 30) are inner cables and Cable (20, 21) are outer cables in the center span.
* Cable (31) is inner cable and Cable (40) is outer cable in the right span.
* Elements representing the main girders in the center span are divided according to the cable spacing, and
the main girder (11) is a closure key segment.
45
Backward Construction Stage Analysis

Construction stage analysis for a cable-stayed bridge can be classified into forward analysis
and backward analysis, based on the analysis sequence. Forward analysis reflects the real
construction sequence. Whereas backward analysis is performed from the state of the finally
completed structure for which an initial equilibrium state is determined, and the elements and
loads are eliminated in reverse sequence to the real construction sequence.
In this tutorial, we will examine the structural behavior of the analytical model and the changes
of cable tensions, displacements and moments.
The analytical sequence of backward construction stage analysis is as shown in figure below.
Analysis Sequence by Backward Construction Stage Analysis
46
We will generate a construction stage analytical model using the model used in the final stage
analysis by saving the file under a different name.
/ Save As (Cable Stayed Backward Construction)
The following steps are carried out to generate the construction stage analysis model:
1. Input initial cable tension forces

Change the truss element used in the final stage analysis to cable element.
Input the unknown load factors calculated by the Unknown Load Factor function as
the initial cable prestress.
2. Define Construction Stage names

Define each construction stage and the name.
3. Define Structural Group

Define the elements by group, which are added/deleted in each stage.
4. Define Boundary Group

Define the boundary conditions by group, which are added/deleted in each stage.
5. Define Load Group

Define the loading conditions by group, which are added/deleted in each stage.
6. Define Construction Stages

Define the elements, boundary conditions and loadings pertaining to each stage.
47
Input Initial Cable Prestress

In order to create the construction stage analysis model from the final stage model, delete the
load combinations LCB 1 & 2 and unit pretension loading conditions, Tension 1 to Tension 20.
To input the unknown load factors calculated by optimization technique as Pretension Loads,
define a new loading case for initial prestress.
Results / Combinations
Load / / Static Load Cases
Load Combination List>Name>LCB 1, LCB 2

Load / Static Loads Static Load Cases
Name (Tension 1) ~ Name (Tension 20)
Name (Pretension); Type > User Defined Load 
Entering Initial Prestress Loading Condition
48
In construction stage analysis for cable-stayed bridges, geometrical nonlinear analysis for cable
element should be performed. To consider the sag effect of cable element in cable-stayed
bridges, the truss elements used in the final stage analysis should be transformed to cable
elements. In a cable-stayed bridge, an equivalent truss element is used for the cable element.
This element considers the stiffness due to tensioning.
Tools / Unit System
Length>m 
Node/Element / Change Elements Parameters
Select identity - Elements

Select Type>Element Type>Truss 
Parameter Type > Element Type (on)
Mode> From> Truss (on); To > Tension only/Hook/Cable
Cable (on) ; Pretension=0 
Change of Truss Element to Cable Element
49
Input the unknown load factors calculated by optimization technique to individual cable
elements as Pretension Loads.
The input method for Pretension Loads is the same as for inputting unit pretension loads for
cable elements.
Load / / Pretension Loads

Select Intersect (Elements: A in figure below)
Zoom Window (B in figure below)
Select Intersect (Elements: B in figure below)
Load Case Name > Pretension; Load Group Name > Default Options > Add;
Pretension Load (1101.63) 
Input the pretension loads in as shown in the following table to each cable element repeatedly.
Initial Prestress (Pretension Loading) calculated by Optimization Technique

Pretension
Element No. Pretension Loading Element No.
Loading
1, 40, 111, 150 1101.63 20, 21, 130, 131 1151.79
2, 39, 112, 149 1050.20 19, 22, 129, 132 1104.23
3, 38, 113, 148 919.01 18, 23, 128, 133 966.34
4, 37, 114, 147 833.67 17, 24, 127, 134 846.77
5, 36, 115, 146 787.47 16, 25, 126, 135 772.57
6, 35, 116, 145 718.19 15, 26, 125, 136 705.01
7, 34, 117, 144 671.96 14, 27, 124, 137 667.43
8, 33, 118, 143 612.34 13, 28, 123, 138 639.52
9, 32, 119, 142 407.08 12, 29, 122, 139 472.78
10, 31, 120, 141 174.78 11, 30, 121, 140 174.67
50
Input Pretension Loading to Cable Elements
51
Define Construction Stage

We now define each construction stage to perform backward construction stage analysis. First,
we assign each construction stage name in the Construction Stage dialog box. In this tutorial,
we will define total 33 construction stages including the final stage.
 Define multiple construction

stages simultaneously by Load / / Define Construction Stage
assigning numbers to a stage.
The generated construction
stages will, thus, have having
identical names. Define Construction Stage

Stage>Name (CS); Suffix (0to32)

Save Result>Stage (on) 
 For generating analysis

results, the analysis results in
each construction stage are
saved and subsequently
generated.
Construction Stage Dialog Box
52
Assign Structure Group

Assign the elements, which are added/deleted in each construction stage by Structure Group.
After defining the name of each Structure Group, we then assign relevant elements to the
Structure Group.
Group Tab
Group>Structure Group>New… (right-click mouse)
Name (SG); Suffix (0to32)
Defining Structure Group
53
Assign the elements, which become added/deleted in each construction stage, to each
corresponding Structure Group. The final stage is defined as the SG0 Structure Group. We skip
the construction stage CS1 because CS1 is a construction stage, which eliminates the
superimposed dead load, and as such there are no added/deleted elements involved.
Front View
Group > Structure Group
Select All
SG0 (Drag & Drop)
Select Window (Elements: 62, 63, 172, 173, 263 A)

SG2 (Drag & Drop)
 Inactivate previously 
defined element groups
C Inactivate
so that they do not
overlap with another Define the Structure Group SG3 to SG32 by eliminating main girders and cables sequentially
element group. while referring to the following table Cannibalization Stage Category.
Defining Structure Group SG2
54
Assign the Structure Group, which is required to define the last stage (CS32) in backward
construction stage analysis.
Construction stage CS32 is the stage in which all the cable elements and main girders in the
center span are eliminated, and the temporary bents in the side spans are erected. Actually, this
is the 1st stage in the cable-stayed bridge construction.
Select Window
SG32 (Drag & Drop)
C Inactivate
Defining Structure Group SG32
55
Assign Boundary Group

Assign the boundary conditions, which become added/deleted in each construction stage, to
each corresponding Boundary Group. After defining the name of each Boundary Group, we
then assign relevant boundary conditions to each Boundary Group.
Activate All
Group Tab
Group>Boundary Group>New… (right-click mouse)
Name (Fixed Support) 
Name (Elastic Link) 
Name (Bent) 
Name (Rigid Link) 
Defining Boundary Group
56
Reassign the fixed support, Elastic Link and Rigid Link conditions, which were already
defined for the final stage analysis, to Boundary Group for the construction stage analysis.
Group>Boundary Group
Select All
Fixed Support (Drag & Drop)
Select Boundary Type>Support (on) 
Select All
Elastic Link (Drag & Drop)
Select Boundary Type>Elastic Link (on) 
Select All
Rigid Link (Drag & Drop)
Select Boundary Type>Rigid Link (on) 
Generating Fixed Support, Elastic Link and Rigid Link Conditions
57
We also assign the boundary condition for the temporary bents to a Boundary Group. We will
input the boundary condition as hinge condition (Dx, Dy, Dz, Rz) at the centers of the side
spans.
Iso View
Boundary / Supports
Select Identity- Node (Nodes: 86, 29, 130, 63) 

Boundary Group Name>Bent
Options>Add
Support Type>D-ALL (on); Rz (on) 
Generating Boundary Condition for Temporary Bents
58
Assign Load Group

Assign the loading conditions, which become added/deleted in each construction stage, to each
corresponding Load Group. The loads considered in this backward construction stage analysis
are self-weight, superimposed dead load and initial cable prestress. First, we generate the name
of each Load Group and then assign corresponding loading conditions to each Load Group.
Group Tab
C Group>Load Group> New… (right-click mouse)
Name (SelfWeight) 
Name (Additional Load) 
Name (Pretension Load) 
Defining Load Group
59
Modify the Load Group “Default”, which was defined for self-weight in the final stage analysis,
to “Self Weight”.
Load / / Self Weight

Load Case Name>SelfWeight
Load Group Name>SelfWeight
Operation>
Modifying Load Group for Self-Weight
60
Reassign the superimposed dead load and initial cable prestress, which were defined for the
final stage analysis, to Load Group.
Select All
Group > Load Group
Additional Load (Drag & Drop)
Select Load Type>Beam Loads (on) 
Select All
Group > Load Group
Pretension Load (Drag & Drop)
Select Load Type>Pretension Loads (on) 
Defining Load Group for Superimposed Dead Load and Initial Cable Prestress
61
Assign Construction Stage

We now assign the predefined Structure Group, Boundary Group and Load Group to each
corresponding construction stage. First, we assign the final stage (CS0) to Construction Stage
as the 1st stage in backward analysis.
Load / / Define Construction Stage
CS0
Save Result>Stage (on)
Element tab>Group List > SG0; Activation>
Boundary tab>Group List > Fixed Support, Elastic Link, Rigid Link
Support / Spring Position>Original
Activation>
Load tab> Group List>SelfWeight, Additional Load, Pretension
Activation> 
Defining Elements, Boundary Conditions and Loads for Construction Stage CS0
62
Define Construction Stage for each construction stage from CS1 to CS32 using
Cannibalization Stage Category as follows:
CS1
Load tab> Group List> Additional Load
Deactivation> 
CS2
Element tab>Group List > SG2; Deactivation>
Element Force Redistribution> 100%
Boundary tab>Group List > Bent; Support / Spring Position>Original
Activation>
CS3 to CS32
Element tab>Group List > SG3 to SG32; Deactivation>
Element Force Redistribution> 100%
63
Input Construction Stage Analysis Data
Analysis / Construction Stage Analysis Control
Final Stage>Last Stage (on)

Analysis Option>Include Time Dependent Effect (off) 
Construction Stage Analysis Control Data Dialog Box
Perform Structural Analysis

Perform construction stage analysis for self-weight, superimposed dead load and initial cable
prestress.
Analysis / Perform Analysis 
64
Review Construction Stage Analysis Results

Review the changes of deformed shapes and section forces for each construction stage by
construction stage analysis.
Review Deformed Shapes

Review the deformed shape of the main girders and towers for each construction stage.

 If the Stage Toolbar is Stage Toolbar>CS 5
active, the analysis
results can be easily
monitored in the Model Result / /
View by selecting
construction stages
Load Cases/Combinations>CS:Summation ; Step>Last Step
using the arrow keys
on the keyboard. Components>DXYZ; Type of Display>Undeformed (on); Legend (on)
Deform

Deformation Scale Factor (0.5) 
 If the default
Deformation Scale
Factor is too large,
we can adjust the
Scale Factor.
Deformed Shape for Each Construction Stage from Backward Analysis
65
Review Bending Moments

For each construction stage, we review bending moments for the main girders and towers.
Stage Toolbar>CS 7
Result / /

Components>My
Display Options>5 Points; Line Fill ; Scale>(1.0000)
Type of Display>Contour (on); Deform (off), Legend (on) 
Bending Moment Diagram for Each Construction Stage from Backward Analysis
66
Review Axial Forces

For each construction stage, we review axial forces for cables.
Stage Toolbar>CS 15
Result / /

Force Filter>All; Type of Display>Legend (on) 
Axial Forces for Each Construction Stage from Backward Analysis
67
Construction Stage Analysis Graphs

We will review deformed shapes of the main girders and towers for each construction stage
using construction stage analysis graphs. For each construction stage, we review horizontal
displacements for the towers and vertical displacements for the main girders at the ¼ point
location of a side span.
Status Bar > kN, mm

Results / Stage/Step Graph / Stage/Step History Graph
Define Function>Displacement>
Displacement>Name (Horizontal Disp.); Node Number (1); Components>DX 
Define Function>Displacement>
Displacement>Name (Vertical Disp.); Node Number (27); Components>DZ 
Mode>Multi Func.; Step Option>Last Step; X-Axis>Stage/Step
Check Functions to Plot>Horizontal Disp. (on), Vertical Disp. (on)
Load Cases/Combinations>Summation
Graph Title (Horizontal & Vertical Displacements for each CS),
History Graph of Deformed Shape for Each Construction Stage
68
Review the variation of cable prestress by using the Step History Graph function. Check the
variation of cable tension forces for each construction stage for inner cables in the tower area
from the final stage (CS0) to the last stage (CS32) in construction stage analysis.

Define Function>Truss Force/Stress>
Truss Force/Stress>Name (Cable 10); Element No (10); Force (on); Point>I- Node 
Define Function>Truss Force/Stress>
Truss Force/Stress>Name (Cable 11); Element No (11); Force (on); Point>I- Node 
Check Functions to Plot>Cable 10 (on), Cable 11 (on)
Graph Title (Variation of Cable Tension for each CS)
Cable Tension Force Variation Graph for Each Construction Stage
69
Review the variation in the bending moments for the main girders and towers by using the Step
History Graph function. Review the variation of bending moments for each construction stage
for the lower part of the tower and ¼ point location of the main girder in a side span.
Status Bar > kN, m

Define Function>Beam Force/Stress,
Beam Force / Stress>Name (Moment of Girder); Element No (45); Force (on)
Point>I- Node; Components>Moment–y 
Define Function>Beam Force/Stress,
Beam Force / Stress>Name (Moment of Tower); Element No (108); Force (on)
Point>I- Node; Components>Moment–y 
Check Functions to Plot>Moment of Girder (on), Moment of Tower (on)
Graph Title (Bending Moment for each CS),
Bending Moment Variation Graph for Each Construction Stage
70

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Advanced Application 2

Final and Construction Stage Analysis for

Final Stage Analysis .............................................................................. 11

Final Stage Analysis Results Review .................................................. 37

Construction Stage Analysis................................................................ 39

Review Construction Stage Analysis Results ................................... 65

Cable-stayed bridge analytical model

Bridge type Three span continuous cable-stayed bridge (self-anchored)

2@3 + 8@10 + 14 = m 14 + 9@10 + 12 + 9@10 + 14 = m 14 + 8@10 + 2@3 = m

 Self-weight: Automatically calculated within the program

Working Condition Setting

Click on - New Project

Tools / Unit System

Length>m; Force (Mass)>kN (ton) 

Definition of Material and Section Properties

Properties / Material Properties

Material ID (1); Name (Cable); Type of Design>User Defined;

1 Cable 1.9613×108 0.3 77.09

Defined Material Properties

1 Cable 0.0052 0.0 0.0 0.0

Defined Section Properties

Final Stage Analysis

To perform structural modeling of the cable-stayed bridge, we first generate a 2D model by

Final Model for Cable-Stayed Bridge

1. 2D Model Generation by Cable-Stayed Bridge Wizard

Cable-Stayed Bridge Wizard Dialog Box

Node Number (on) Front View

Node/Element / Merge Nodes

Generated 2D Model of the Cable-Stayed Bridge

Right View Auto Fitting Node Number (off)

Node/Element / Translate Nodes

Select Window (Nodes: A)

Arrangement of Inclined Towers

View> Select > Select Intersect (Elements: A)

Parameter Type> Element Local Axis (on)> Beta Angle

Local Element Axis Transformation for Tower Elements

Node/ Element / Divide Elements

Division of Tower Elements

Moving 2D Model –7.8 m in the Y direction

Node /Element / Mirror Elements

Main Girder Cross Beam Generation

Node/Element / Extrude Elements

Select Identity - Nodes

Main Girder Cross Beam Generation

Tower Cross Beam Generation

Selecting Tower Elements

Generate the tower cross beams by the Create Element function.

Iso View / Node Number (on) / Element Snap (off)

Node/Element / Create Elements

Element type>General Beam/Tapered Beam

Tower Cross Beam Generation

Tower Bearing Generation

Tower Bearing Generation

Select Single (Nodes: 149 to 152)

Tower Bearing Location Generation

Model the tower bearings using the element link elements.

Bearing properties are as follows:

Boundary / Elastic Link

Tower Bearing Generation