Welcome to Francis Academic Press

Academic Journal of Engineering and Technology Science, 2025, 8(4); doi: 10.25236/AJETS.2025.080404.

Health Monitoring and Evaluation for the Cables or Suspenders in Cable-Strut System Bridges

Author(s)

Hao Wang1,2,3,4, Tingmao Zhang1,2, Yabin Liang1,2,3,4,5

Corresponding Author:
Yabin Liang
Affiliation(s)

1Institute of Seismology, CEA, Wuhan, China

2Hubei Key Laboratory of Earthquake Early Warning, Wuhan, China

3Hubei Earthquake Administration, Wuhan, China

4Wuhan Institute of Earthquake Engineering Co. Ltd., Wuhan, China

5School of Safety Science and Emergency Management, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China

Abstract

Since the late 1980s, cable-strut system bridges, including suspender bridges, cable-stayed bridges, and arch bridges, have been extensively constructed due to advancements in cable material technology. These structures are favored for their lightweight design, large spans, high navigational clearance and economic benefits. The stay cables or suspenders serve as critical components for force transmission in these bridges, and their safety and durability are paramount for the proper functioning of the structure. Unfortuantely, operational and environmental factors can lead to corrosion and fatigue damage in the cable systems, occasionally necessitating premature repairs or replacements of multiple cables or suspenders. To monitor and detect changes in the cable-strut system and mitigate potential damage, various protective measures and damage monitoring technologies have been proposed to ensure the safety of cable-strut system bridges. This paper first presents the types of cable damage and analyzes the mechanisms behind their formation, followed by a summary of the available detection technologies that have been implemented in practice.

Keywords

Stable-strut System Bridge; Cable or Suspender Damage; Operational and Environmental Factors; Damage Monitoring and Detection

Cite This Paper

Hao Wang, Tingmao Zhang, Yabin Liang. Health Monitoring and Evaluation for the Cables or Suspenders in Cable-Strut System Bridges. Academic Journal of Engineering and Technology Science (2025), Vol. 8, Issue 4: 31-41. https://doi.org/10.25236/AJETS.2025.080404.

References

[1] James R. Martin, 2021 Report Card for America's Infrastructure[R].American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), 2021.

[2] Erinjogunola F L, Ajirotutu R O, Sikhakhanenwokediegwu Z, et al. Public Safety and Structural Monitoring: A Data-Driven Approach to Bridge Maintenance[J]. ICONIC Research And Engineering Journals,2025.8(8):2456-8880

[3] Jang S, Jo H, Cho S, et al. Structural health monitoring of a cable-stayed bridge using smart sensor technology: deployment and evaluation[J]. Smart Structures and Systems, 2010, 6(5_6): 439-459.

[4] Chung Y. S., Lee J. H., and Lee Y. J. Assessment of the serviceability of reinforced concrete bridges using wireless sensors and machine learning techniques[J]. Sensors, 2020,20(4), 1122.

[5] Stahl F L, Gagnon C P. Cable corrosion in bridges and other structures: Causes and solutions[M]. ASCE Publications: Washington, 1996; 65–66.

[6] Xu J. Damage evolution mechanism and remained service lives evaluation of stayed cables[D]. Shanghai, China: Tongji University, 2006.

[7] Mayrbaurl R Mft, Camo S. Cracking and fracture of suspension bridge wire[J]. Journal of Bridge Engineering, 2001, 6(6): 645-650.

[8] Ciaburro G, Iannace G. Machine-learning-based methods for acoustic emission testing: A review[J]. Applied Sciences, 2022, 12(20): 10476.

[9] Zhang H, Li H, Zhou J, et al. A multi-dimensional evaluation of wire breakage in bridge cable based on self-magnetic flux leakage signals[J]. Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials, 2023, 566: 170321.

[10] Liu S, Wang H, Li R. Attention module magnetic flux leakage linked deep residual network for pipeline in-line inspection[J]. Sensors, 2022, 22(6): 2230.

[11] Zhao Y, Liu Z, Yi D, et al. A review on rail defect detection systems based on wireless sensors[J]. Sensors, 2022, 22(17): 6409.

[12] Sha G, Lissenden C J. Modeling magnetostrictive transducers for structural health monitoring: Ultrasonic guided wave generation and reception[J]. Sensors, 2021, 21(23): 7971.

[13] Fang Z. and Zhang Z.-Y., Cable stress measurement for cable-stayed bridge[J]. Journal of Chinese Road, 1997. 10(1): p. 51-52. (in chinese)

[14] Wu, H.-J., Chen S.-T. , and Gong S.-L., Stress measurement method research for cable-stayed bridge[J]. Smart Structure and System, 2010. 6(5-6): p. 439-459.

[15] Liu J, Yuan C, Matias L, et al. Sensor technologies for hydraulic valve and system performance monitoring: Challenges and perspectives[J]. Advanced Sensor Research, 2024, 3(7): 2300130.

[16] Ibrahim E T, Yang C, Tian G, et al. Pulsed magnetic flux leakage measurement using magnetic head and tunneling magnetoresistance for defect detection[J]. IEEE Sensors Journal, 2023, 23(17): 19184-19193.

[17] Lin Z.-H. and Xu Y.-F., The key technology for measuring cable-stayed bridge cable force using frequency method[J]. The Chinese and foreign road, 2003. 23(5): p. 1-4.

[18] Zui H, Shinke T, Namita Y. Practical formulas for estimation of cable tension by vibration method[J]. Journal of structural engineering, 1996, 122(6): 651-656.

[19] Zhu W, Teng W, Liu F, et al. Measurement of cable force through a Fiber Bragg Grating-Type thin rod vibration sensor and its application[J]. Sensors, 2022, 22(20): 8081.

[20] Qin H, Li C, Luo B, et al. Force monitoring in steel-strand anchor cables using quasi-distributed embedded FBG sensors[J]. Construction and Building Materials, 2024, 438: 137192.

[21] Xia J, Yao Y, Wu X, et al. Cable force measurement technology and engineering application[J]. Journal of the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures, 2021, 62(3): 185-194.

[22] Yan K, Zhang H, Yi Z, et al. High-precision real-time measurement method of cable tension utilizing high-strength steel wire FBG sensors[J]. Structures. 2025, 75: 108787.

[23] Li S, Liang Z, Guo P. A FBG pull-wire vertical displacement sensor for health monitoring of medium-small span bridges[J]. Measurement, 2023, 211: 112613.