Seismic study of a cable-stayed bridge

The focus of this paper is to investigate the non-linear and linear behavior of a cable-stayed bridge in a seismic environment. Three design features of a cable-stayed bridge are studied: 1) The nonlinear performance under an earthquake. 2) The effect of having a rigid connection between the bridge deck and pylon under an earthquake. 3) The effect of bridge super elevation change in the earthquake response. MSC/Nastran finite element analysis program is used to develop the finite element models of a cable-stayed bridge. The response of the structure is examined by comparing mode shapes, displacements, and element forces in a seismic environment. Results of this study may contribute to the future design and analysis of cable-stayed bridges