Continuous Arch Bridge Construction with Intelligent Cable Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction methods for double-span or multi-span continuous arch bridges face challenges such as excessive loading on temporary flanges, inefficient clasp cable usage, complex anchor point changes, and prolonged construction periods due to asymmetrical and unbalanced installation conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a single-arch rib construction approach, where the cable crane system moves laterally fewer times, clasp cables are reused, and intelligent control cables are used to balance loading on the middle pier and anchorage tower, ensuring vertical stability and reducing construction complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If sequential installation of arch rib segments is used, then the construction process is simple, but asymmetrical and unbalanced conditions occur causing excessive loading on the middle pier and anchorage tower
Solution Approach 1:
The arch rib is divided into multiple segments that can be installed in a balanced sequence. By segmenting the construction process and installing segments symmetrically from both sides, the patent achieves balanced loading conditions on the middle pier while maintaining construction simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetrical counterbalancing measures by installing arch rib segments in a coordinated manner from both left and right sides. This controlled asymmetry in the installation sequence compensates for the inherent asymmetry in sequential construction, achieving balanced loading on the middle pier.
2Ease of manufacture
If temporary connection with inner flange is used, then arch rib segments can be installed, but the flange is subjected to excessive loading and may fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by pre-installing counterbalancing arch rib segments or using temporary support structures before installing new segments. This prevents excessive loading on the inner flange connection by compensating for unbalanced weights in advance, ensuring connection safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary temporary support structures or counterbalancing segments that act as mediators between the new arch rib segment and the existing structure. These intermediaries distribute the loading away from the inner flange connection, preventing excessive stress concentration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cable crane system moves horizontally multiple times, then arch rib segments can be installed on both sides, but construction period is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the installation operations for left and right arch rib segments into a coordinated simultaneous process. By combining the installation activities and using counterbalancing measures, the cable crane system needs to move horizontally fewer times, reducing the construction period while maintaining full installation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning counterbalancing arch rib segments or preparing the construction sequence in advance. This allows the cable crane system to perform fewer horizontal movements while still achieving complete arch rib installation on both sides, thereby reducing construction time.
4Reliability
If clasp cable is extended after segment connection, then arch rib segment is secured, but dead weight increases tension force requirement for clasp cable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by extending the clasp cable and securing the arch rib segment before the full dead weight is applied. By performing the fixation action in advance and using counterbalancing measures, the required tension force in the clasp cable is reduced while maintaining reliable segment fixation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for rapid and safe construction and intelligent monitoring and controlling of continuous arch bridges, which using a single-arch rib construction method, when installing a new arch rib segment, the clasp cable is immediately extended, and then using an intelligent control cable to ensure that the pier and anchorage tower are in a balanced state. The newly installed segment is no longer in a cantilever state, and the loading on the flange is very small, resulting in a small change in the tension force for the clasp cables of the previous segments. The present invention saves more than half of the clasp cable usage, reduces the number of transverse movements of the cable crane system, and significantly shortens the construction period. The construction method which using intelligent control cables to balance the unbalance loading on the middle pier, could be applied to the construction of continuous arch bridges.