A cable-stayed bridge, also known as diagonal bridge, is a structural system composed of a pressurized tower, strained cables, and a bent beam body where the main beam is directly pulled on the bridge tower with multiple cables.

• Main Beam: Typically concrete, steel-concrete combination, or steel structure
• Cable Tower: Usually concrete, sometimes steel-concrete combination or steel structure
• Stay Cable: Made of high-strength materials (high-strength steel wire or steel strand)

The cable-stayed design reduces beam bending moments through multi-point cable support, allowing for smaller beam dimensions (typically 1/50-1/200 of span length), reduced structural weight, and increased crossing capacity.

Features larger main spans suitable for crossing major rivers.

Smaller main spans ideal for medium rivers and urban channels.

Increased flexibility requires careful engineering to prevent excessive deformation.

Reduces positive bending moment near side spans and facilitates safer cantilever construction.

Tower forms include single column, A-shape, inverted Y type, and more, each offering distinct structural and aesthetic benefits.

• Single cable plane (best torsional resistance)
• Vertical double cable plane
• Oblique double cable plane (superior wind resistance)

• Radial (concentrated at tower top)
• Harp (parallel arrangement)
• Sector (combines benefits of both)

Material selection based on span requirements:

• Prestressed concrete (spans <400m)
• Steel-concrete composite (400-600m)
• All steel (>600m)
• Hybrid (steel main span with concrete side spans)

Two primary cable types:

• Highway and railway crossings
• Pedestrian and bicycle bridges
• Long-span infrastructure projects

• Superior long-span capability without intermediate supports
• Simplified construction compared to suspension bridges
• Excellent wind stability
• Adaptable to various clearance requirements
• Efficient cantilever construction methods