Design and construction innovations for cable-stayed bridges in mountainous regions

To address the unique and challenging conditions in mountainous regions, numerous innovative solutions have been implemented in the design and construction of cable-stayed bridges (CSBs). This paper provides an overview of these novel design and accelerated construction methods specifically for mountainous CSBs. It begins by investigating the application and characteristics of CSBs in such terrains. Subsequently, innovative design solutions inspired by mountainous conditions are introduced. These include an innovative girder using a lightweight steel and ultrahigh-performance concrete composite with a non-axial connection for earth-anchored CSBs, a truss girder designed for highway use that incorporates a novel steel truss–concrete joint for steel truss girder CSBs, and an extradosed CSB featuring horizontal curvature. Lastly, three innovative methods for the accelerated construction of CSBs in mountainous regions are presented and verified through engineering practice. These methods encompass segment-by-segment erection using the rotation-based derrick crane method, the longitudinal suspension method and the cable crane method. A comparative analysis of these three construction methods was conducted, focusing on their adaptability, application, facility, duration and cost, providing valuable references and effective alternatives for bridge advancement in mountainous regions.