Fatigue durability study of high density polyethylene stay cable sheathing. (15th May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dan, Danhui; Cheng, Wei; Sun, Limin; Guo, Yanheng
• Is Part Of: Construction & building materials. Volume 111(2016)
• Page Start: 474
• Page End: 481
• Publication Date: 2016-05-15
• Subjects: Stay cable -- HDPE cable sheathing -- Fatigue durability -- Strain -- Fatigue load spectrum; Building materials -- Periodicals; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.02.109
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-0618

Abstract

Highlights: Investigation on the strain level of the HDPE cable sheathing under variable loads. Fundamental fatigue load characteristics of HDPE cable sheathing. Studies on the major factors affecting the cable fatigue lifetime. Discussions on the causes of early fatigue failure in cable sheathing. Theoretical proof for engineering measures to increase the lifetime of HDPE sheathing. Abstract: Stay cable is the primary load-bearing structure of cable-stayed bridges, and the durability of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) stay cable sheathing is essential to the serviceability, safety, and durability of the entire bridge. Considering the damage owing to fatigue cracks in the HDPE sheathing during actual operation, this paper investigates the strain level on the HDPE cable sheathing under variable loads through on-site experiments on a cable-stayed bridge in service. The fundamental fatigue load characteristics were analyzed. The cable fatigue lifetime was further studied to reveal the major factors affecting the distribution pattern of the lifetime of the HDPE sheathing. The study results partially explained the cause of early fatigue failure in certain cable sheathing and provided theoretical proof for engineering measures for increasing the lifetime of HDPE sheathing.