Use of advanced composite materia/s in the design of a cable-stayed bridge

Abstract

Advanced composite materials (FRP) have a higher strength and stiffness to weight ratios than conventional materials. In addition, they have very good corrossion resistance properties. However they have been very seldom used in the structural engineering field. The construction of a an advanced technology 137m long cable-stayed bridge in the University of California, San Diego is scheduled for 2001. The bridge is designed using composite materials for the majority of its primary structural resistent members. A summary of the most significant parts of the design of this unique bridge is presented in this paper.