Recommendations for Stay Cable Systems and Technology for Footbridges

<p>Pedestrian and cyclist bridges are becoming increasingly popular, as they promote sustainable ways of transportation. These bridges, typically with span lengths in the range of 30 – 100 m, are often designed using different stay cable technologies such as fully locked coil cables, wire ropes or parallel strand cable systems. The stay cable systems play an important and integral role within the structure, as well as in its durability and the long-term operation and maintenance.</p><p>This paper will present specific case studies for recently completed bridges that supported the decision of the most optimal cable type for the specific bridge, using multi-criterial analysis considering fatigue resistance, risk of cable vibrations, impact on the bridge structure through wind loading and axial stiffness, fatigue performance, durability, supply chain risk and cost.</p><p>The paper will provide general recommendations for when different stay cable systems will be the most optimal option considering the multiple criteria mentioned.</p>