Modelling of a bridge stay cable for individual strand tensioning

Abstract

Analytical expressions for determining the required tensioning force in strands, and the corresponding deformation of cables during the multi-cycle tensioning process, are derived in the paper based on the proposed mathematical model of a bridge stay cable. Monostrand jacks are used in this procedure and, at that, strands are tensioned in each cycle by individual application of force of the same intensity. The number of cycles depends on geometrical and mechanical properties of the cable, on the final tensioning force intensity, and on the moveability of the cable support points. The efficiency of the proposed analytical procedure is illustrated by a numerical example.