The effect of cable corrosion on dynamic response of Stonecutters Cable-Stayed Bridge model

Abstract

Cable corrosion is among one of the most common damage mechanisms in cable-stayed bridges. A finite element model of the long-span Stonecutters Cable-Stayed Bridge was built, and its dynamic behaviour was investigated considering localized groups of corroded cables. The reduction in cable cross-sectional area was used to simulate corrosion levels from 25% to 75% cross-sectional loss. The corroded cables were divided into two groups of four cables, arranged in symmetric and asymmetric distributions along both decks. Natural frequencies and mode shapes were compared with a reference case with no corrosion-damaged cables. A recorded wind load was applied on the deck to investigate the time-history response of the mid-span in lateral, vertical, and torsional directions. Frequency analysis was performed on the time-history response, and coupled motions at certain frequencies were observed for certain corrosion cases and were discussed.