STRUCTURE ANALYSIS OF CONCRETE CABLE STAYED BRIDGE BASED ON COMPOSITE ELEMENT

To analyze the performance of reinforced concrete structures numerically, the composite element is developed, which inherits and expands the features of the original isoparametric element, and can consider contributions of concrete and steel to the element stiffness separately. Compared with normal solid elements, the composite element has the following advantages: more flexible meshing, less elements involved, and steel’s resistant effects considered. Employing the composite element and other assistant elements, the structural simulation of a modern large span concrete bridge can be realized. Compared with the actual static load test data of Xi’chang concrete cable-stayed bridge, the accuracy of the composite element is verified satisfying the requirement of engineering practice.