Application of Structural Control Systems for the Cables of Cable-Stayed Bridges: State-of-the-Art and State-of-the-Practice

Stay cables are one of the key elements of cable-stayed bridges and are characterized by lightweight, low inherent damping, and high flexibility. They are continuously subjected to small-to large-amplitude vibrations due to various types of dynamic loads that may, in the long term, cause fatigue and fracture problems for the cable system, and may eventually compromise the safety of cable-stayed bridges. Thus, several countermeasures including surface profiling, cross-ties, and structural vibrational control systems have been used to improve the dynamic performance of stay cables. This article presents a comprehensive state-of-the-art and state-of-the-practice review of structural vibration control systems specifically designed and used for the cables in cable-stayed bridges. Generally, the stay cable dampers are classified as internal and external dampers. Consequently, important aspects of each control strategy are highlighted and various types of devices and their designs are discussed to find the best control solution for suppressing the cable vibrations.