Eliminating bridge piers using stay cables with unconventional layouts

Abstract

This communication explores innovative schemes and shows how in continuous prestressed concrete viaducts of medium length (40 m) the inclusion of under-deck or combined stay cables allows the elimination of intermediate or end piers. In these cases, the length of certain spans is doubled, while the main characteristics of the deck (depth, concrete strength, amount of reinforcement, amount of active steel, etc.) can be maintained. These schemes are very appropriate for the situations in which non-structural conditions make a uniform span distribution a non possible option for the design of a viaduct. In addition, it could be an alternative option when a pier of a built bridge has to be shifted due to the widening of an underneath infrastructure.