Structures 27 (2020) 2126–2136

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Structures
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/structures

Experimental and numerical study on a novel cable anchorage system to T

improve the maintainability of suspension bridges
⁎
Xiaoming Wanga, Wei Yangb, Xinmin Zhangc, , Peng Zhuc
a
Key Laboratory of Transport Industry of Bridge Detection Reinforcement Technology (Chang’an University), Chang’an University, Xi’an, China
b
Hunan Provincial Communications Planning, Survey and Design Institute Co., Ltd., Changsha, China
c
Guangdong Provincial Highway Construction Ltd., Guangzhou, China

A R T I C LE I N FO A B S T R A C T

Keywords: In suspension bridges, cable anchorage systems are critical structures for cable tension transmission. Owing to
Replaceability the tedious maintenance and replacement process, it is difficult to reduce maintenance costs and traffic impacts
Cable anchorage system for conventional anchorage systems. To solve this problem, this paper presents the development of a novel
Cluster cable prestressed anchorage system used in the Nansha Bridge. The novel anchorage system employs finite bundles of
Model test
cluster cables with multiple anticorrosive coatings, enabling monitorability and durability and efficient re-
Suspension bridge
placeability without traffic interruption. A replaceability model test is performed to reveal the mutual inter-
ference characteristics of cluster cable tension and verify the replacement efficiency. Graded load tests are
carried out on three specimens to investigate the stress distribution and load-carrying performance. Through
elaborate 3D finite element analysis, the mechanical behaviour and stress diffusion characteristics of the crucial
components under the anchors are further studied under three extreme scenarios. The results show that the novel
anchorage system is reliable with a sufficient safety margin and uniform stress distribution and that the re-
placement process is efficient without incurring traffic interruption.

1. Introduction suspension bridges [15–19]. According to the load path for the trans-
mission of cable strand forces to the anchorage block, the anchorage
The replacement of degraded components is an essential main- system is mainly divided into two categories: the steel rod anchorage
tenance operation throughout the lifetime of a suspension bridge to system and the prestressed anchorage system (Fig. 1). Steel rod an-
ensure serviceability and user safety [1]. Onsite bridge replacement chorage systems have been widely used for 100 years [20]. However,
activities can have significant impacts related to the environment, the repair and replacement of deteriorated steel rods are costly and time
mobility and safety [2–4]. The direct and indirect effects on the en- consuming due to the monolithic connection between the steel rods and
vironment and traffic disruptions resulting from cable replacement can concrete blocks, which has been evident in projects such as the re-
exceed the actual cost of the replacement itself (e.g., material and la- habilitation of the Manhattan Bridge [21].
bour costs) [5–7]. For instance, full-lane closures in large urban centres In recent years, the prestressed anchorage system has been in-
or on highways or waterways with heavy traffic volumes can have a creasingly used in place of the steel rod anchorage system [22]. Due to
significant economic impact on commercial and industrial activities in the replaceability and long-term monitorability of the prestressed an-
the region; partial lane closures that occur alongside adjacent traffic can chorage system, it presents economy and flexibility during life-cycle
also lead to safety and environmental issues (e.g., extra CO2 emissions maintenance and management [23]. As shown in Fig. 1, the unbonded
due to traffic detours) [8,9]. Because of the potential economic and anchorage system is developed based on the grouting bonded ancho-
safety impacts, maintenance planners has a high priority on minimizing rage system, which employs anticorrosive grease instead of cement
environmental and traffic disruptions when determining bridge-related slurry to protect the prestressed steel strands against corrosion. How-
replacement schemes [10–12]. Thus, to minimize maintenance costs ever, the liquid grease will inevitably leak along the anchor tubes
and traffic disruption, it is urgent to promote replaceability for the [24,25], which significantly increases maintenance time and costs. In
whole or part of a bridge [13,14]. addition, the conventional unbonded anchorage system has low re-
The cable anchorage system is a crucial load-carrying structure in placement efficiency due to the must individually stretch each

⁎
Corresponding author.
E-mail addresses: [email protected] (X. Wang), [email protected] (X. Zhang).

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.istruc.2020.08.031
Received 24 April 2020; Received in revised form 17 July 2020; Accepted 9 August 2020
2352-0124/ © 2020 Institution of Structural Engineers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
X. Wang, et al. Structures 27 (2020) 2126–2136

Fig. 1. Classification and Diseases of Cable Anchorage System for Suspension Bridge.

Fig. 2. The detailed design of the anchorage element.

prestressed steel strand. simulation of the novel anchorage system is conducted to further in-
This paper presents a novel cable anchorage system, which was first vestigate the stress diffusion behaviour of the crucial components under
used in the Nansha Bridge, called the prestressed anchorage system the anchor in three extreme scenarios.
with finite bundles of cluster cables (Fig. 2). Five layers of anticorrosive
protection are designed to adequately protect the cluster cables against
corrosion and effectively avoid the problem of anticorrosive grease 2. Novel prestressed anchorage system with finite bundles of
leakage. Since seven prestressed steel strands are bundled into a cluster cluster cables
cable for integral stretching, the replacement efficiency can be sig-
nificantly enhanced. The novel cable anchorage system improves long- 2.1. Design details
term monitorability, durability and replaceability, thus minimizing
maintenance costs and enabling rapid replacement without incurring The detailed design of the novel anchorage system with finite
traffic disruption. bundles of cluster cables is shown in Fig. 2. Each anchorage element
The present study focuses on the safety margin, stress distribution consists of a prestressed anchorage sub-element and a cable strand
characteristics, and force transferring mechanism of the novel cable connection sub-element. A prestressed anchorage sub-element includes
anchorage system. A replaceability model test is performed to reveal an anchor tube, three to seven bundles of cluster cables, nut-type an-
the mutual interference characteristic of the cable tension and verify chorages and straight trapezoid bearing plates. Every cluster cable
the replacement efficiency. Graded overload tests are carried out on comprises seven epoxy-coated prestressed steel strands. A cable strand
three specimens to investigate the stress distribution and load-carrying connection sub-element contains threaded rods and a connector socket,
performance. Through 3D finite element analysis, an elaborate local which connects the cable strand to the cluster cables for the transmis-
sion of the cable strand force.

2127
X. Wang, et al. Structures 27 (2020) 2126–2136

Fig. 3. Anchor arrangement of the Nansha Bridge: (a) Elevation of the bridge (unit: m); (b) General arrangement of the 1/4 anchor zone (unit: cm); (c) Connector
socket (unit: mm); (d) Straight trapezoid bearing plate (unit: mm); (e) Front anchor face; (f) Tensioning process of the cluster cables; and (g) Back anchor face.

To ensure safety during the replacement process, the tension F of safety factor of the anchorage element at the replacement state, con-
every anchorage element must be determined by the following formula servativelyk ′ = 1.05; and k ′ ′ is the non-uniform coefficient among the
[25]: cluster cables at the replacement state, conservativelyk ′ ′ = 1.1.
n In addition to good reliability, the novel anchorage system with
F ⩾ k ′P finite bundles of cluster cables has the following advantages:
n − (n′ + n′ ′) k ′ ′ (1)
where P is the force of the cable strand connected to this anchorage 1. Favourable constructability. The novel anchorage system can be
element; n is the bundle number of the anchorage element, erected by using portable equipment in a simple construction pro-
usuallyn = 3–7; n′ is the number of bundles replaced per time, usually cedure. Conventional complicated processes such as filling with
n′ = 1; n′ ′ is the invalid bundle number due to serious damage; k ′ is the

2128
X. Wang, et al. Structures 27 (2020) 2126–2136

Fig. 4. Global model considering anchor span details.

4. Outstanding replaceability. Since integral stretching can be

achieved by using the cluster layout, the finite bundles of cluster
cables can be quickly replaced one by one without cross-inter-
ference, which significantly improves the replacement efficiency
and minimizes traffic disruption.
5. Low lifecycle costs. Due to its good monitorability, durability and
replaceability, the novel anchorage system could greatly reduce
operation and maintenance costs.

2.2. Engineering application

As shown in Fig. 3(a), the Nansha Bridge is an earth-anchored

suspension bridge with a main span of 1688 m, which was the first to
adopt the novel cable anchorage system with finite bundles of cluster
cables, including 164 single-anchorage elements and 424 sets of
double-anchorage elements.
Each anchorage element consists of five bundles of cluster cables,
each of which is extruded from seven epoxy-coated steel strands with a
diameter of 15.24 mm. As shown in Fig. 3, the anchor tube, connector
socket and straight trapezoid bearing plate have larger dimensions than
Fig. 5. Tension distribution of cable strands at anchor span under the most
those of the conventional unbonded prestressed anchorage system to
unfavourable case.
avoid cross-interference during the replacement process.
To identify the most unfavourable state of the anchor span and the
grease and sealing are avoided. maximum cable strand tension, a global finite element simulation
2. Excellent durability. The cluster cable is extruded from multiple considering the anchor span details is analysed by using the commercial
epoxy-coated steel strands and has five layers of anti-corrosion FEA package ANSYS (2017) [26,27]. As shown in the spatial fish-bone-
coating, including an epoxy-filled coating and a polyethylene (PE) girder model in Fig. 4, the steel box girder and pylons are modelled
sheath for a single steel strand, as well as high-strength polyester with BEAM188 elements, and the main cables and hangers are simu-
tape, a PE inner sheath and a PE outer sheath for the cluster cable. lated by LINK180 elements. The whole model consists of 1354 elements
3. Good long-term monitorability. As the life of the monitoring ele- and 1368 nodes in total. The sag effects of the main cables and the
ment used for nut-type anchorages is longer than that of clip-type geometric stiffness effect of the dead load are considered. The con-
anchorages, the monitoring period can be effectively extended. straints of the bridge system are shown in Fig. 4.

2129
X. Wang, et al. Structures 27 (2020) 2126–2136

Fig. 6. Life-cycle cost evaluation.

Fig. 7. Specimen tension and replacement test: (a) Front view of specimen; (b) Top view of specimen; (c) Side view of connector.

Table 1 elements, which is equivalent to 0.6 times the ultimate bearing capacity
Material characteristics for replacement tests. Fptk of an anchorage element with five cluster cables.
Component Material Brand
2.3. Lifecycle cost evaluation
Connector socket 45 forged steel /
Cluster cable 15.2 mm steel strand GJ15-7
The life-cycle cost of the Nansha Bridge is evaluated during the
Support plate 40 Cr /
Bearing plate ZG270 / entire design service life, including the construction cost, maintenance
Main pedestal Q235 SYTZ3000.0 cost and indirect loss induced by traffic disruption. The replaceability of
Temporary fixing screw Q235 / the conventional solutions are compared with that of the proposed
anchorage system.
As shown in Fig. 6, the conventional unbonded prestressed ancho-
Comparing the multiple combinations of load effects, the maximum rage system with ordinary anticorrosive grease (solution S1) has the
tensions of the cable strands at the anchor span occur for the load case lowest construction cost; however, the maintenance cost is highest
of ‘constant load + longitudinal wind load + positive temperature among all the anchorage systems due to frequent grease leakage and
gradient + vehicle load’. The corresponding tension distribution for the necessary replacement. Although the unbonded prestressed anchorage
cable strands at the anchor span is shown in Fig. 5. Therefore, according system with special anti-leakage anticorrosive grease (solution S2) re-
to formula (1), P = 3590 kN, n = 5, n'= 1, n''=0, k'=1.05, k''=1.1, the duces the maintenance cost, the construction cost is also high due to the
design tension F is determined as 5468 kN for double-anchorage material cost. In comparison, the novel anchorage system with finite

2130
X. Wang, et al. Structures 27 (2020) 2126–2136

Fig. 8. Tension and replacement test: (a) General view; (b) Tensioned end; (c) Anchorage end; (d) Tension and anchorage of cable No. 1; (e) Tension of the other
cables; (f) Anchorage of the other cables; (g) Release of the cable at the tensioned end; (h) Pull out of the cable at the anchorage end; and (i) Replacement of the cable.

3.1. Replaceability test

3.1.1. Test setup and testing procedure

Replacement tests on the cluster cables were conducted using the
test setup with the specifications shown in Fig. 7 and in Table 1. To
visually observe the mechanical state of the cable body during the
tension and replacement process, four steel cylindrical support columns
with a diameter of 300 mm were used to simulate the support effect of
the actual concrete anchor block according to the equal stiffness prin-
ciple. To check the process of threading and tensioning, cluster cables
were installed and stretched one by one at a constant speed of
100 MPa/min. For the replacement test, cluster cables were replaced
one by one. To verify the safety of the cluster cable under extreme load
conditions, the total anchorage tension load in the test was 0.6 Fptk . The
tension of the cluster cables was measured by tension sensors set at the
ends Fig. 8.
During the replacement test, the major observations and measure-
ments were as follows:

1. Observe whether the process of threading, tensioning and replacing

the cluster cables was performed according to the specifications;
Fig. 9. Tension influence matrix of cluster cables. 2. Observe the state variation in each component of the specimen
model and check whether there was cracking or deformation beyond
the limitations; and
bundles of cluster cables (solution S3) has the lowest maintenance cost
3. Test and record the cable tensions of all the cluster cables at each
due to the enhanced durability and replicability, and its direct cost is stage of stretching and releasing.
17.4% less than that of S1 and 14.2% less than that of S2. In addition,
the efficient replacement design enables S3 to minimize traffic disrup- The above observations and measurements were analysed to reveal
tion during the maintenance process, which significantly reduces the
the mutual interference characteristics of the cable tension and verify
indirect loss induced by traffic disruption. Therefore, among the three
the replacement efficiency.
solutions, the proposed novel anchorage system with finite bundles of
cluster cables has the lowest life-cycle cost.
3.1.2. Test observations and results
The whole process of threading, tensioning and replacing the cluster
cables was performed smoothly and efficiently. Each component of the
3. Experimental study
specimen remained intact, and no cracks or deformation occurred be-
yond the limitations, which reflected the excellent reliability and re-
To ensure the reliability of the novel anchorage system during the
placeability of the novel anchorage system.
operation and replacement process, it is essential to verify the safety
As shown in Fig. 9, through the test data, the influence matrix of the
and replaceability of cluster cables under extreme load conditions. In
cable tension is established during replacement; the maximum co-
addition, because the anchor tube has a greater diameter for the novel
herence coefficient is only −0.71%. The analysis shows that the in-
anchorage system than that of other anchorage systems, it is necessary
fluence of the replacing cable on the other cable tensions is negligible,
to verify the reliability of the reinforced concrete (RC) anchorage block.
implying that the design stiffness of the anchorage body is sufficient.
Therefore, one set of replaceability model tests and three groups of RC
Therefore, during the replacement of cluster cables, the influence of the
anchorage block model tests were carried out.
tension variation on the other cables can be ignored. This design

2131
X. Wang, et al. Structures 27 (2020) 2126–2136

Fig. 10. Load tests on the RC anchorage block: (a) Test preparation and (b) Specimen fabrication.

Table 2
Material characteristics for load tests.
Component Material Elastic modulus (GPa) Poisson ratio Reinforcement diameter (mm)

Bearing plate ZG270 260 0.3 /

Anchor tube Q235 200 0.3 /
Concrete C30 30 0.2 /
Vertical reinforcement HRB335 200 0.3 25
Transverse reinforcement HRB335 200 0.3 25
Spiral reinforcement Q235 200 0.3 10
Longitudinal reinforcement HRB335 200 0.3 16

ensures that even if the cables are replaced quickly, the cable tensions 3.2. Model test for the RC anchorage block
are prone to uniformity.
3.2.1. Test setup and testing procedure
Load tests on the RC anchorage block were conducted using the test
setup shown in Fig. 10. Both the specimens and the test setup followed
the recommendations of JGJ85-2010 [28]. The RC anchorage block was

2132
X. Wang, et al. Structures 27 (2020) 2126–2136

level of loading.

The above observations and data results were analysed to in-

vestigate the stress distribution and load-carrying performance of the
RC anchorage block.

3.2.2. Test observations and results

As shown in Fig. 12, the test data for the three specimens show that
no cracks are found under the loading cases of 0.4 Fptk and 0.6 Fptk .
When loaded to 0.8 Fptk , the maximum crack width is only 0.08 mm,
which is far less than the crack limitation of 0.25 mm [28]. When the
load increases to 1.0 Fptk , there are still no cracks on the bearing plates.
Therefore, the RC anchorage block has a reliable load-carrying capa-
city. The proposed straight trapezoid bearing plates and reinforcement
grids under the anchor can reduce the stress concentration and improve
the mechanical behaviour of the anchorage system.
As shown in Fig. 13, the test stress of the reinforcement grids under
the maximum load case (0.8 Fptk ) is far less than the yield strength of
335 MPa. Specifically, the longitudinal reinforcements are all under
compression, with a maximum value of approximately 30 MPa; the
Fig. 11. Loading path in tests.
transverse steel reinforcements are all under tension, with a maximum
value of approximately 75 MPa; and the maximum stress of the vertical
reinforcement is approximately 80 MPa. In addition, the spiral re-
inforcements are all under tension, and the maximum tensile stress is
approximately 63.5 MPa, which is less than the yield strength of
235 MPa. The test results show that the reinforcement design under the
anchor is reliable with a sufficient safety margin.
In addition, according to the specification [28], the ultimate load
value in the test must meet the requirement of the following formula:
f ′cu
FU ⩾ 1.5Ncon
fcu,k (2)
where FU is the average value of the ultimate load value until spe-
′ is the average measured
cimen damage; Ncon is the design tension; fcu
value of the compressive strength of the cube specimens in the same
curing environment; and fcu,k is the design standard value for the
compressive strength of the concrete cube of the test specimen. For the
three specimen tests, FU = 11825 kN, Ncon = 5468 kN, fcu ′ = 38 MPa,
f ′cu
fcu,k = 40 MPa, and 1.5 Ncon f = 7791.9 kN. Therefore, the ultimate
cu,k

Fig. 12. Crack width of RC anchorage block. load value in the tests meets the requirements in the specifications. The
load test results for the three specimens show that the RC anchorage
block has a reliable load-carrying capacity with a safety margin of 2.16.
the load-carrying component for the cable anchorage system, which
primarily included the concrete under the anchor, spiral reinforce-
4. Numerical study
ments, reinforcement grids (consisting of vertical, transverse and
longitudinal reinforcement) and bearing plates. To investigate the me-
Based on experimental studies and global simulations, elaborate
chanical state of the RC anchorage block during operation and re-
local simulations involving interfacial bonding and friction are con-
placement, graded overload tests were performed on three specimens
ducted to further investigate the mechanical behaviour of the crucial
with the specifications shown in Fig. 10 and Table 2.
components under the anchors in multiple scenarios.
As shown in Fig. 11, each specimen was incrementally loaded, and
the loading was maintained for 10 min at the levels of 0.4 Fptk , 0.6 Fptk
and 0.8 Fptk . The loading was continued until the specimens were da- 4.1. Elaborate local simulation
maged.
As shown in Fig. 10(a), for reinforcement grids, the vertical, tra- As shown in Fig. 14, the elaborate local model of the anchorage
verse and longitudinal reinforcement were measured by strain gauges system is established by using the finite element software ABAQUS
No. 1–8, No. 9–12 and No. 15–22, respectively. In addition, strain (2019) [29,30], whose parameters have been determined according to
gauges No. 12–14 were arranged for the spiral reinforcement. During the design specifications and calibrated with the experimental results.
the load tests, the major observations and measurements were as fol- Truss Element T3D2 is selected to simulate the cluster cables and spiral
lows: reinforcements. After considering the size effect and the stress distor-
tion on the coupling nodes of different elements, solid element C3D8R
1. Observe and record the occurrence, width and expansion of cracks is used to simulate the anchor concrete, connector socket, bearing plate
in the model specimens; and steel anchor tubes. The material properties are shown in Table 1.
2. Observe the deformation of the bearing plate; To simulate the interaction between the concrete under the anchor, the
3. Observe and record the test limit load value; and anchor tube and the bearing plate (Fig. 14), binding constraints were
4. Test the stress of the reinforcement under the anchor under each used to simulate three contract pairs (CP1-3)—namely, CP1 between
the concrete under the anchor and anchor tube, CP2 between the

2133
X. Wang, et al. Structures 27 (2020) 2126–2136

Fig. 13. The test stress of the reinforcement grids: (a) Longitudinal reinforcement stress; (b) Transverse steel reinforcement stress; (c) Vertical reinforcement stress
(unit: mm); and (d) Spiral reinforcement.

Fig. 14. Elaborate local finite element model of anchorage system.

2134
X. Wang, et al. Structures 27 (2020) 2126–2136

cylindrical contact surface of the concrete under the anchor in CP3 is

the main surface. Binding constraints are adopted as face-to-face con-
straints. In addition, the EMBEDDED ELEMENT command in the model
is used to embed the spiral reinforcement into the concrete under the
anchor to consider the effect of the bond slip between the spiral re-
inforcement and the concrete.
The stress distributions of the crucial components under the anchor
in three typical scenarios are analysed and discussed, including the
connector socket, straight trapezoid bearing plate and concrete under
the anchor. Three typical scenarios are listed as follows:
Scenario 1: The most unfavourable service state associated with
Fig. 5;
Scenario 2: Replacing one cluster cable in Scenario 1; and
Scenario 3: Another unknown cluster cable is damaged in Scenario
2.

Fig. 15. Maximum deformation and stress of connector socket.

4.2. Discussion of results

For the connector socket and straight trapezoid bearing plate, the
von Misses stress criterion is used as the failure criterion due to the
ductile failure characteristics of metal material. For the concrete under
the anchor, the principal stress criterion is employed to assess the stress
state because of the brittle failure characteristics of concrete material.
As shown in Fig. 15, the maximum deformations of the connector
socket in Scenarios 1–3 are 0.176 mm, 0.291 mm and 0.489 mm, re-
spectively, which are all less than the design limitation of 0.5 mm. In
addition, the maximum von Mises stress under the three scenarios is
241 MPa, which is less than the yield strength of 355 MPa. For Sce-
narios 2 and 3, the stress distribution of the connector socket is ex-
tremely uneven, and owing to the effect of the bias load of cluster cables
on the connector socket, an obvious stress concentration and in-
homogeneous deformation can be observed. In general, the connector
socket can meet the structural mechanical performance requirements
under extreme scenarios.
Fig. 16 shows the maximum von Mises stress of the straight trape-
zoid bearing plate under three scenarios. In Scenario 1, the stress dis-
tribution is uniform due to the even load of the cluster cables. In Sce-
nario 2, the maximum von Mises stress is reduced from 174.3 MPa to
Fig. 16. Maximum von Mises stress of straight trapezoid bearing plate.
151.5 MPa due to the removal of one cluster cable for replacement.
Remarkably, the maximum stress increases to 204.7 MPa in Scenario 3,
where another cluster cable is removed to consider the unknown da-
mage case. The following two aspects are the major reasons for this
outcome:
The global simulation in Section 3.2 shows that the connector socket
is pulled out 12 mm by the cable strand in Scenario 3; therefore, the
tensions of the remaining cluster cables increase due to the rebalance.
The effect of the bias load of the remaining cluster cables on the bearing
plate could result in a higher concentration stress. In general, the von
Mises stress of the bearing plate is less than the yield strength of
270 MPa under the three scenarios, which shows that the straight tra-
pezoid anchor plate plays a significant role in the stress diffusion.
As shown in Fig. 17, the maximum principal tensile stress of the
concrete under the anchor is 2.36 MPa in Scenarios 1–3, which is less
than the threshold value of 3 MPa, and the maximum principal com-
pressive stress is 12.43 MPa, which is far less than the threshold value
of 22.4 MPa. The FEA results of the stress distribution correlate well
with the experimental measurements in Section 4.2. Similarly, the
maximum stress occurs in Scenario 3 due to the rebalance and effect of
Fig. 17. Maximum principal tensile and compressive stress of the concrete
under the anchor. the bias load. Owing to the straight trapezoid anchor plate and the
reinforcement grids under the anchor, the stress level is reduced sig-
nificantly, and the stress distribution becomes more uniform, which
anchor tube and bearing plate, and CP3 between the concrete under the
ensures that no cracks are present in the three extreme scenarios.
anchor and bearing plate. The main surface in the binding constraint is
selected with a relatively large stiffness. According to this principle, the
5. Conclusions
stepped contact surface of the concrete in CP1 is the main surface. The
end bearing surface of the bearing plate in CP2 is the main surface. The
A novel cable anchorage system with finite bundles of cluster cables

2135
X. Wang, et al. Structures 27 (2020) 2126–2136

for suspension bridges is proposed to minimize the maintenance cost superstructure of self-anchored suspension bridge. Prestress Technol. 2004;4:25–9.
and traffic disruption during maintenance. Based on experimental and [5] Nader M. Accelerated Bridge Construction of the New Samuel De Champlain Bridge.
J Bridge Eng 2019;25:05019015. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)BE.1943-5592.
numerical studies, the major conclusions are summarized as follows: 0001515.
[6] Siwowski T, Wysocki A. Horizontal rotation via floatation as an accelerated bridge
1. The replaceability model test demonstrates that cluster cables can be construction for long-span footbridge erection: case study. J Bridge Eng
2014;20:05014014. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)BE.1943-5592.0000693.
safely replaced one by one without incurring traffic disruption. The [7] A.S.H. Suwaed T.L. Karavasilis Novel Demountable Shear Connector for Accelerated
influence matrix of the tension established based on the test data Disassembly, Repair, or Replacement of Precast Steel-Concrete Composite Bridges J.
shows that the influence of replacing the cluster cable on other Bridge Eng 2017 10.1061/(ASCE)BE.1943-5592.0001080, doi:10.1061/(ASCE)BE.
1943-5592.0001080.
cables is negligible, implying that the design stiffness of the an- [8] Khan MA. Accelerated Bridge Construction: Best Practices and Techniques. Elsevier;
chorage body is sufficient. This design ensures that even if the cables 2014.
are replaced quickly, the cable tensions are prone to uniformity. [9] Saman F, Armin M. Non-Destructive Evaluation of Closure Joints in Accelerated
Bridge Construction using a Damage Etiology Approach. Appl. Sci 2020;10:1457.
2. The load test results for the three specimens show that the RC an-
https://doi.org/10.3390/app10041457.
chorage block has a reliable load-carrying capacity with a safety [10] A. Fiore M.A. Liuzzi R. Greco Some Shape, Durability and Structural Strategies at
margin of 2.16. The proposed straight trapezoid bearing plates and the Conceptual Design Stage to Improve the Service Life of a Timber Bridge for
reinforcement grids under the anchor can reduce the stress con- Pedestrians Appl Sci 2020 2023 10 10.3390/app10062023.
[11] Goh CS, Chong H-Y, Jack L, Faris AFM. Revisiting Triple Bottom Line Within the
centration and improve the mechanical behaviour of the anchorage Context of Sustainable Construction: A Systematic Review. J Cleaner Prod
system. The novel anchorage system is reliable with a sufficient 2019;252:119884https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2019.119884.
stress margin above 1.5. Even in the extreme scenario with the [12] Wu S, Sun X, Yang J, Yang R, Zhu J. Experimental Study of Environmental
Conditions on In-Situ Engineered Cementitious Composites-Steel Deck Interface
maximum local stress, the stress safety factors of the cluster cable, Appl. Sci 2020;10:2123. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10062123.
connector socket, concrete under the anchor and anchor plate are [13] Jensen JS. Cable-supported bridges: design, maintenance, rehabilitation and man-
1.52, 1.57, 1.80 and 1.61, respectively. agement. Struct. Infrastruct. Eng 2013;10:508–20. https://doi.org/10.1080/
15732479.2013.769012.
3. The elaborate local simulation analysis involving interfacial bonding [14] Jensen JS. Innovative and sustainable operation and maintenance of bridges. Struct.
and friction shows that the anchorage is properly designed with Infrastruct. Eng 2019. https://doi.org/10.1080/15732479.2019.1604772.
reliable load transfer and a sufficient safety margin under three [15] Chen W-F, Duan L. Bridge engineering handbook: Superstructure design. New York:
Taylor & Francis; 2014.
extreme scenarios. Remarkably, the behaviour of the crucial com- [16] Gou H, Wang W, Shi X, Pu Q, Kang R. Behavior of steel-concrete composite cable
ponents under the anchor in Scenario 3 is complex, with the obvious anchorage system. Steel and Composite Structures 2018;26:115–23. https://doi.
phenomenon of stress concentrations, due to the rebalance and ef- org/10.12989/scs.2018.26.1.115.
[17] Meng F, Wan J, Xia Y, Ma Y, Yu J. A Multi-Degree of Freedom Tuned Mass Damper
fect of the bias load.
Design for Vibration Mitigation of a Suspension Bridge. Appl. Sci 2019;10:457.
4. The novel anchorage system was first applied in the Nansha Bridge. https://doi.org/10.3390/app10020457.
The comparison analysis with conventional solutions shows that the [18] Nie J, Tao M, Fan J. Research on Cable Anchorage Systems for Self-Anchored
novel anchorage system significantly reduces the life-cycle cost by Suspension Bridges with Steel Box Girders. J. Bridge Eng 2011;16:633–43. https://
doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)BE.1943-5592.0000190.
providing enhanced durability and replicability without incurring [19] Huang Pingming, Sun Yamin, Mei Kuihua, Wang Tao. A theoretical solution for the
traffic interruption. pullout properties of a single FRP rod embedded in a bond type anchorage. Mech
Adv Mater Struct 2020;27(4):304–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/15376494.2018.
1472344.
Declaration of Competing Interest [20] Li Z, Zhao C, Shu Y, Deng K, Cui B, Su Y. Full-scale test and simulation of a PBL
anchorage system for suspension bridges. Struct. Infrastruct. Eng 2019;16:452–64.
https://doi.org/10.1080/15732479.2019.1668027.
The authors declare that they have no known competing financial [21] Sreenivas A, William JM. Inspection. New York: Evaluation and Maintenance of
interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influ- Suspension Bridges Case Studies; Taylor & Francis; 2016.
ence the work reported in this paper. [22] Li JP, Li YS. Research on displacement of anchorage of suspension bridge.
GeoShanghai International Conference 2006.
[23] G.P. Xu M.H. Liu F.W. Huang J. Su Test Study of Replaceable Unbonded
Acknowledgments Prestressing Anchor System for Anchorage of Suspension Bridges Bridge
Construction 000 2006 13 16 https://doi.org/CNKI:SUN:QLJS.0.2006-05-003.
[24] Li H, Xian L, Yao Z, a.. The Compare and Investigation of Anchor System for
This work is supported by the Natural Science Foundation of
Anchorage of Domestic Long-Span Suspension Bridge. Highway. Engineering
Shaanxi Province, China [Grant No. 2020JM-219], the China 2011;036:97–101. https://doi.org/10.3969/j.issn.1674-0610.2011.06.022.
Postdoctoral Science Foundation [Grant No. 2019M653519], the [25] Y.C. Peng Replaceable Anchorage System of Unbonded Prestressing Strand for
National Key Research and Development Project of China [Grant No. Anchorage Block of Suspension Bridge Bridge Construction 06 2010 31 34 https://
doi.org/CNKI:SUN:QLJS.0.2010-06-007.
2018YFB1600300], and the National Natural Science Foundation of [26] X. Wang, H. Wang, Y. Sun, X. Mao, S. Tang. Process-independent construction stage
China [Grant No. 51878059]. analysis of self-anchored suspension bridges. Automation in Construction
2020;117:103227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2020.103227.
[27] X. Wang, W. Wu, Y. Liu, Z. Ran. Surrogate-assisted two-phase tensioning strategy
References optimization for the system transformation process of a cable-stayed bridge.
Engineering Optimization 2020;52(4):603–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/
[1] Frangopol DM, Soliman M. Life-cycle of structural systems: recent achievements and 0305215X.2019.1610947.
future directions. Struct. Infrastruct. Eng. 2014;12:1–20. https://doi.org/10.1080/ [28] MOT. JGJ85-2010. Technical Specification for Application of Anchorage, Grip and
15732479.2014.999794. Coupler for Presstressing Tendons. CABP: Beijing; 2010.
[2] Gil H, Choi Y. Cable erection test at splay band for spatial suspension bridge. J [29] X. Wang, X. Wang, Y. Dong, C. Wang. A Novel Construction Technology for Self-
Bridge Eng 2002;7:300–7. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)1084-0702(2002) Anchored Suspension Bridge Considering Safety and Sustainability Performance.
7:5(300). Sustainability 2020;12(7):2973. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12072973.
[3] Nie J-G, Zhou M, Wang Y-H, Fan J-S, Tao M-X. Cable anchorage system modeling [30] X. Wang, P. Fei, Y. Dong, C. Wang. Accelerated Construction of Self-Anchored
methods for self-anchored suspension bridges with steel box girders. J Bridge Eng Suspension Bridge Using Novel Tower-Girder Anchorage Technique. J. Bridge Eng.
2014;19:172–85. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)BE.1943-5592.0000529. 2019;24(5):05019006. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)BE.1943-5592.0001383.
[4] Sun JF, Fang JH, Tan QQ, Li LF. Introduction of novel construction method for

2136