Investigation of the Effect of the Deck Material on the Cost in Cable-Stayed Bridges with Different Spans

Abstract Recent developments in the social sphere also cause an increase in transportation activities. Increased transport activities lead to the construction of new roads and bridges. Different bridge construction systems are available to overcome large span obstacles. Cable-stayed bridges are more advantageous construction systems than other bridge type building carrier systems in overcoming large spans through suspension cables. Therefore, it is also widely preferred by designers. The biggest factor in the development of cable-stayed bridges is undoubtedly steel cables. Cable-stayed bridges are bridge structures that become lighter with the increase of the span, which has a more expanded flexibility, and that includes a cable system with the effect of nonlinear factors. Costs of cable-stayed bridges vary according to different spans. The span as well as the deck material used in the bridge system have a great effect on the cost. In cable-stayed bridge systems, decks are constructed of reinforced concrete and steel. The costs of cable-stayed bridges are widely discussed around the world; therefore, the effect of the span and deck material on the cost of cable-stayed bridges is being investigated. The main bearing elements of such bridges are cables, decks, and towers, and among these elements, the tower bridge carries all the weight of the bridge, even other external loads such as vehicle, wind, etc. In this study, the three-dimensional model of the cable, deck and tower elements that make up the cable-stayed bridge system was created and analysed using the CSI Bridge Program. The AASHTO LRFD Standards, which are widely used in the analysis of bridge systems with the CSI Bridge program and the design of bridge systems in the world, were used. In the study, the analysis and designs of cable-stayed bridges with reinforced concrete and steel deck at 250, 500, 750, 1000, 1500, 2000 meters span were carried out. The amount of materials and costs used in the analysis and design of the cable-stayed bridge systems were obtained and the results were interpreted.