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.

This design allows the main beam to be supported at various points by cables, creating a continuous beam with multi-span elastic support. This configuration significantly reduces internal bending moments in the beam, allowing for smaller beam dimensions (typically 1/50 to 1/200 of the span) while increasing the bridge's crossing capacity.

Typically constructed from concrete, steel-concrete composite, or steel structure. The main beam distributes loads to cables, provides axial compression resistance, and withstands transverse forces.

Mostly concrete structures that support and anchor the stay cables. Tower design significantly impacts the bridge's aesthetic and structural performance.

Constructed from high-strength materials (steel wire or strand) that provide the primary support system for the bridge deck.

Features larger main spans, ideal for crossing major rivers and waterways.

Smaller main spans suitable for medium-sized rivers and urban channels.

Three-tower four-span and multi-tower designs increase flexibility but require careful engineering to control deformation.

Used to reduce bending moments at beam ends and facilitate safer cantilever construction methods.

Cable towers are crucial structural and aesthetic elements that must efficiently transmit forces while maintaining visual appeal.

• Single column type: Simple structure
• A-shape: Provides high stiffness
• Inverted Y type: Excellent for resisting unbalanced cable tension

The tower height significantly impacts the bridge's stiffness and economic efficiency.

• Single cable plane: Requires high torsional stiffness
• Vertical double cable plane: Better for resisting torque
• Diagonal double cable plane: Excellent wind resistance

• Radial: Concentrated at tower top
• Harp: Parallel arrangement
• Sector: Combines advantages of both

Modern designs favor dense cable systems (4-20m spacing) for reduced bending moments, simpler anchoring, and easier construction.

Cable-stayed bridges can be classified by their structural integration:

• Floating system
• Semi-floating system
• Tower beam consolidation system
• Rigid structure system

Hybrid systems that combine characteristics of beam bridges and cable-stayed bridges.

• Compact beam dimensions with exceptional crossing capacity
• No need for complex anchorage structures
• Ideal for cantilever construction methods
• Excellent aesthetic appeal
• Adaptable to various span requirements

• Pneumatic control (surface modifications)
• Damping vibration reduction devices
• Dynamic characteristic modification

• Highway and railway crossings
• Pedestrian and bicycle bridges
• River and estuary crossings
• Urban infrastructure projects
• Long-span requirements with aesthetic considerations

• Support construction
• Push construction
• Rotary construction
• Cantilever construction (assembly and pouring)