Failure analysis of anchorage of cable-stayed bridge with internal defects

Abstract

The influence of the internal defects in the anchorages of cable-stayed bridges, generated either during the fabrication process or due to the usage time on their mechanical properties and failure probability is studied. Internal defects were distributed according to the probability density functions of types, sizes, quantities, and locations obtained from the experimental studies. The Finite Element Method (FEM) is applied to simulate the behaviour of the anchorages with and without internal defects under external forces, which affect the bridge, such as wind and traffic. It was shown that the mechanical properties of the anchorage without internal defects are in the range of its application, but in the case of an anchorage with internal defects, approximately 0.1% of the observed maximum stresses approximate the yield stress. The latter could result in permanent material deformation or fracture. The probability of failure of an anchorage is discussed.