Proposed for journal publication
S. Vern, F. Paolacci, G. Quinci, R. Nascimbene, and J. Ferino, Seismic response of a cable-stayed bridge equipped with hybrid cables. Engineering Structures, Elsevier Publications
Abstract This paper presents a novel hybrid composite cable section designed for cable-stayed bridges, developed under the “FIber Reinforced Steel WIREs for high-performance, lightweight ropes and cables operating in demanding scenarios” (FIRST-WIRE) project. The cable section comprises high-strength steel and carbon fiber-reinforced polymers. The study begins with a construction stage analysis that compares the performance of the hybrid cable with that of a standard steel cable solution under static and dynamic loading profiles. Additionally, the study investigates the advantages and disadvantages of hybrid stay cables under seismic excitations compared to standard steel stay cables. To demonstrate the proposed solution, the study analyzes a short-span pedestrian cable-stayed bridge located in a high seismic zone in Italy. The analysis includes parameters such as the tower and deck’s displacement, variation in cables’ prestress force, torsional moment in the tower, and bending moment at the supports. The results indicate that the hybrid stay cable is more effective than steel cables in achieving the final designed strength of the cables. Moreover, the hybrid stay cable exhibits superior seismic performance, as demonstrated by response quantities such as cable tension, tower moment, and deck moment.
Keywords: cable-stayed bridges, CFRP, hybrid cables, construction stages, seismic analysis
Status: in review. If accepted, it will be published within the first semester 2025.
S. Vern, F. Paolacci, G. Quinci, R. Nascimbene, and J. Ferino Advancing Cable-Stayed Bridges: Performance Assessment of Novel Hybrid Composite Cables. Advances in Structural Engineering, Sage Publications
Abstract: Developing innovative structural solutions for cable-stayed bridges represents a focal point within civil engineering research. In this context, introducing the hybrid composite cable section as part of the FIRST-WIRE project signifies a significant advancement in the field. By combining carbon fiber-reinforced polymers with high-strength steel, this novel hybrid cable section offers the potential for enhanced performance and reduced weight, addressing the demand for high-performance, lightweight structural elements. This paper delves into the practical application and performance assessment of hybrid cable solutions by exploring a case study involving a short-span pedestrian cable-stayed bridge in Italy. The analysis spans various aspects, starting with construction stage evaluation to determine static loading and deformation profiles and extending to seismic performance, aerodynamic stability, pedestrian loading, and fatigue analysis. This comprehensive approach sheds light on the versatility and resilience of hybrid cables in challenging environments, underscoring their potential to elevate the standards of structural engineering practice. Thus, this study contributes valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on bridge engineering, offering promising avenues for developing sustainable and resilient infrastructure systems.
Keywords: Hybrid composite cables, cable-stayed bridges, seismic analysis, aerodynamic stability, pedestrian loading, fatigue analysis, structural resilience
Status: at the drafting stage. To be sent for revision.
S. Vern, F. Paolacci, G. Quinci, R. Nascimbene, and J. Ferino, Innovative Seismic Risk Assessment Methodology for Long-Span Cable-Stayed Bridges Equipped with Hybrid. Journal of Bridge Engineering, ASCE Publications
Abstract: Assessing seismic risk for long-span cable-stayed bridges with hybrid cables as part of the FIRST-WIRE project is a complex task involving conducting both seismic hazard and vulnerability analyses. Traditional approaches often rely on specific seismic intensity measures (IMs), which can lead to uncertainties and overly conservative risk estimates. To address these challenges and improve the precision of seismic risk assessment for such bridge structures, a new framework has been proposed in this paper. This methodology focuses on controlling response variability in seismic hazard curves while considering the randomness inherent in ground motion prediction equations (GMPEs). The framework also considers the unique characteristics of hybrid cables created by combining carbon fiber-reinforced polymers with high-strength steel. By transferring variability to fragility curves constructed from groups of accelerograms, an accurate representation of median and 84% fractile spectra for different return periods is achieved. A novel search algorithm is developed for selecting natural records, making the process more efficient. By eliminating the dependence on specific IMs, the proposed approach enables a more precise assessment of three-dimensional structures. The method is applied to a typical long-span cable-stayed bridge equipped with hybrid cables to demonstrate its robustness and practical independence from the record set used. This pioneering methodology marks significant progress in seismic risk assessment for long-span cable-stayed bridges, offering a promising avenue for enhancing risk management strategies in civil engineering practice.
Keywords: Seismic risk assessment, Long-span cable-stayed bridges, Hybrid cables, Ground motion prediction equations (GMPEs), Fragility curves, Risk management
Status: at the drafting stage. To be sent for revision.
S. Vern, F. Paolacci, G. Quinci, R. Nascimbene, and J. Ferino, Economic Evaluation of Hybrid Cable-Stayed Bridges: A Comprehensive Life Cycle Cost Analysis. Reliability Engineering & System Safety, Elsevier Publications
Abstract: The economic performance of cable-stayed bridges, particularly in the context of super long-span structures, has garnered significant attention in civil engineering. Central to this discussion is evaluating life cycle costs (LCC), which considers initial construction expenses, maintenance requirements, and prevailing interest rates. In recent studies, there has been a notable focus on hybrid cables as part of the FIRST-WIRE project, formed from a composite section of steel and hybrid materials, as a potential alternative to traditional steel cables. These hybrid cables offer enhanced durability and reduced maintenance needs, potentially resulting in lower life cycle costs. However, the economic viability of such hybrid cable-stayed bridges warrants careful examination, particularly in comparison to their steel counterparts. By conducting rigorous LCC analyses and economic comparisons, researchers seek to elucidate the cost-effectiveness and feasibility of implementing hybrid cable systems in long-span cable-stayed bridges. Such investigations contribute valuable insights to the ongoing discourse surrounding infrastructure development and management, with implications for decision-makers in bridge engineering and beyond.
Keywords: carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer; cable-stayed bridge; long-span; life-cycle cost
Status: at the drafting stage. To be sent for revision.
A. Yazdanpanah , V. Zin, L. Pezzato, F. Valentini, M. Dabalà , K. Brunelli, Tribocorrosion and stress corrosion cracking risk assessment of novel hybrid stainless steel-carbon fibre tubes. Submitted for pubblication to MDPI Materials, https://www.mdpi.com/journal/materials
Abstract: This study delves into the tribocorrosion and SCC behaviour of the innovative hybrid wires, featuring an external superaustenitic stainless steel sheath and an internal core of carbon fibres. Various standard techniques were utilized to fully characterize the risk of corrosion and SCC occurrence in the novel hybrid wires accompanied by microstructural characterization of the wires.
Status: submitted for publication to MDPI Materials