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.

The cable-stayed bridge consists of three primary components:

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

The load path transfers from the main beam through the stay cables to the cable tower, then to the foundation. This multi-span elastic support system reduces bending moment in the beam, allowing for smaller beam dimensions and increased crossing capacity.

Features larger main spans, ideal for crossing major rivers.

Smaller main spans suitable for medium rivers and urban channels.

Increased flexibility requires careful engineering to manage deformation.

Enhances stability and facilitates cantilever construction methods.

The cable tower is a critical aesthetic and structural element, available in various configurations including single column, A-shape, inverted Y type, and more.

The height-to-span ratio determines the bridge's stiffness and economic efficiency.

Three primary configurations: single cable plane, vertical double cable plane, and oblique double cable plane.

Radial, harp, and sector arrangements each offer distinct structural advantages.

Cable-stayed bridges can be classified by their combination of tower, beam and pier into floating systems, semi-floating systems, tower beam consolidation systems and rigid structure systems.

Hybrid system combining characteristics of beam bridges and cable-stayed bridges.

The main beam serves three primary functions: load distribution, axial pressure resistance, and transverse force transmission.

• Prestressed concrete: Economic for spans under 400m
• Steel-concrete composite: Ideal for 400-600m spans
• All steel: Recommended for spans over 600m
• Hybrid: Steel main span with concrete side spans for 600m+

Tower design focuses on aesthetics, structural integrity, and efficient force transmission.

Two primary construction methods: parallel wire cables with cold-cast anchors and parallel wire cables with clip anchors.

• Pneumatic control through surface modifications
• Damping vibration reduction devices
• Dynamic characteristic modification via cable connections

Multiple approaches including support construction, push construction, rotary construction, and cantilever construction (both assembly and pouring).

• Highway and railway crossings
• Estuary and bay crossings
• High-speed rail bridges