Research achievements in under-deck and combined cable-stayed bridges

Under-deck cable-stayed bridges and combined cable-stayed bridges constitute two
innovative bridge types that have been designed and built on only a few occasions over the last thirty
years by outstanding structural engineers, such as Leonhardt, Schlaich, Menn, Virlogeux, Manterola,
and Cremer. In these bridge types, the stay cables have unconventional layouts: below the deck, in the
case of under-deck cable-stayed bridges, and above and below the deck, in the case of combined
cable-stayed bridges. Over the last few years, major research advances related to these bridge types
have been made to the point that now research dictates the development of these new bridge
typologies. In this communication, a general overview of the current state-of-art will be set out;
addressing issues related to built bridges, research developments, structural behaviour, design criteria
and potential applications for these innovative bridge types. Major attention will be paid to their
highly-efficient structural behaviour, that allows a significant reduction in the amounts of materials in
comparison with conventional bridges, leading to sustainable design. Other advantages of these
structural types, such as the numerous construction possibilities, aesthetical properties, and broad
range of potential applications, will also be stressed.

Citation:
Ruiz-Teran, A.M. and Aparicio, A.C. (2010) ‘Research achievements in under-deck and combined cable-stayed bridges’, Proceedings of Advances in Computing and Technology, (AC&T) The School of Computing and Technology 5th Annual Conference, University of East London, pp.64-71.