Stonecutters Cable-Stayed Bridge: Full-Scale Testing of Dynamic Control Devices

Abstract eng:
The Stonecutters cable-stayed bridge, now under construction in Hong Kong, is a crossing 1600 m long characterized by an 1018 m main span that sets it amongst the longest bridges of this type. It is designed to withstand extreme wind storms and earthquakes. Thus, the designer’s foresight contemplated using a non-conventional restraint system to connect the deck to the pylons in both the longitudinal and transverse directions. At each pylon, a group of four 8000 kN capacity (800 mm stroke) Shock Transmission Units (STUs) are installed along the longitudinal direction, while two preloaded spherical bearings connect transversally the steel girder to the pylon - with a reaction that depends upon the dynamics of the imposed load. At the onset of any dynamic action, the longitudinally acting STUs are designed to temporary link the deck to the pylons providing for a very stiff connection. In order to avoid torque effects in the bridge structures, each group of units has a common hydraulic circuit that makes them react simultaneously during the dynamic event. Furthermore, said hydraulic circuit is designed to reduce to a minimum the reaction associated with slow movements induced by deck thermal expansions and prevent unexpected overloads. The special bearings reacting in the transverse direction are hydraulically preloaded and react as STUs only at the occurrence of a dynamically imposed load. This paper presents the technical description of the longitudinal STUs with particular emphasis on the full-scale testing program performed in accordance to contractual specifications.

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