Engineering StructuresPub Date : 2026-04-15Epub Date: 2026-01-26DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2026.122244
Bo Wang , Xin Zheng , Jiaxing He , Guangxiang Hao , Ping Xu
{"title":"Latent-driven structural generation and performance-constrained optimization for expansion tube energy absorbers","authors":"Bo Wang , Xin Zheng , Jiaxing He , Guangxiang Hao , Ping Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2026.122244","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2026.122244","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The expansion energy absorption structures are widely used in engineering fields such as rail transportation due to its controllable deformation and strong energy dissipation capacity. However, complex structural parameters and boundary conditions will cause various nonlinear deformation modes, affecting structural performance evaluation and design optimization. Therefore, this paper proposes a unified modeling framework to achieve integrated analysis of structure generation and performance prediction. The framework generates high-fidelity deformed images based on design parameters, and identifies the deformation patterns and physical consistency of the images through a classification network. Meanwhile, a perception regression model is constructed to predict key crashworthiness indicators and achieve rapid estimation of structural performance. On this basis, high-dimensional sampling and performance-based structural selection methods are combined to extract the best structural solution in each deformation mode. The research results verify the effectiveness of the framework in deformation mode prediction and structural design, and provide important guidance for the optimization of energy-absorbing structures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"353 ","pages":"Article 122244"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146075524","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Engineering StructuresPub Date : 2026-04-15Epub Date: 2026-01-30DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2026.122253
Hangqi Lou , Tiejun Liu , Dujian Zou , Ye Li
{"title":"Restoration of fire-damaged high-performance concrete columns by post-fire water-CO2 cyclic curing","authors":"Hangqi Lou , Tiejun Liu , Dujian Zou , Ye Li","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2026.122253","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2026.122253","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study experimentally investigates the post-fire mechanical performance and recovery potential of high-performance concrete (HPC) columns exposed to standard fire conditions followed by water-CO<sub>2</sub> cyclic re-curing. The columns were subjected to one hour of heating according to the ISO 834 standard fire curve and subsequently re-cured for 30 days. A comprehensive evaluation was performed, including internal temperature profiling, surface damage observation, microstructural analysis, load-displacement response, and failure mode characterization. Results show that HPC columns with a lower water-to-binder ratio (W/B) suffered more severe internal damage due to higher peak temperatures and steeper thermal gradients. Consequently, their residual load-bearing capacity was more significantly reduced than that of columns with a higher W/B. The conventional 500 °C isotherm method effectively predicted the post-fire capacity of high-W/B columns but overestimated that of low-W/B columns, for which a 400 °C threshold provided a better approximation. Water-CO<sub>2</sub> cyclic re-curing markedly enhanced the mechanical recovery of fire-damaged columns by promoting rehydration and carbonation reactions, which filled coarsened pores, healed microcracks, and partially sealed macrocracks, thereby restoring structural integrity. After re-curing, the load-bearing capacities of the low- and high-W/B columns recovered to 67.3 % and 100.9 % of their original values, respectively.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"353 ","pages":"Article 122253"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146075522","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Engineering StructuresPub Date : 2026-04-15Epub Date: 2026-01-22DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2026.122195
Yugesh Maharjan, Suraj Dhungel, Serhan Guner
{"title":"Innovative evaluation of precast, prestressed adjacent box beam bridges","authors":"Yugesh Maharjan, Suraj Dhungel, Serhan Guner","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2026.122195","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2026.122195","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Load rating, the process of evaluating a bridge's safe live load capacity, is a critical aspect of bridge evaluation. Despite their prevalence, adjacent box beam bridges lack specialized methodologies and automated tools for their load rating. Engineers often resort to time-consuming, complex hand calculations or general-purpose tools that are not ideal for these unique bridges. This study addresses this challenge by developing a specialized computational methodology and an innovative computer tool for accurate, reliable, and rapid load rating of adjacent box beam bridges. The research accounts for diverse configurations, including skewed or non-skewed spans, composite and non-composite, and single or multicell beam sections; analyzes flexure and shear; assesses stresses at all critical locations for strength and service limit states; calculates capacities; and provides final load rating factors. A key innovation is its ability to identify the most critical location by precisely determining the exact maximum moment location, beyond conventional methods. It also evaluates shear at all potentially critical points, not just typical ones. The adopted shear flow approach enables the analysis of multicell box beam sections. To transfer these advancements to practice, the first specialized computer tool is developed for the load rating of adjacent box beam bridges. This tool is capable of rating 15 standard vehicles and custom vehicles with up to 35 axles. It also generates moment and shear envelopes for all vehicle types, assisting manual calculations or other analyses for various bridge types. Verification of the methodology and tool against 18 existing bridges using independent hand calculations and general-purpose software confirmed their high accuracy and reliability. A coefficient of determination of 0.974 or higher, a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.251 or lower, a normalized RMSE of 7.43 % or lower and a bias close to zero are obtained.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"353 ","pages":"Article 122195"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146025760","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Engineering StructuresPub Date : 2026-04-15Epub Date: 2026-02-06DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2026.122291
Hang Yin , Xin Zhang , Ernian Zhao , Xilin Lu
{"title":"Experimental study on seismic performance of prestressed InorgBam beam-to-column connections","authors":"Hang Yin , Xin Zhang , Ernian Zhao , Xilin Lu","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2026.122291","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2026.122291","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Inorganic-bonded bamboo composite (InorgBam) is a novel engineered bamboo product fabricated using bamboo fiber bundles bonded with a magnesium oxysulfide (MOS) inorganic adhesive, thereby providing improved fire resistance, long-term durability, and potential for large cross-sectional structural applications compared with conventional bamboo and timber products. The connection performance of InorgBam structures is crucial for overall safety and post-earthquake recoverability. However, traditional bolted connections often sustain large residual deformations during seismic events. This paper investigates the seismic performance of InorgBam beam-to-column connections incorporating post-tensioned high-strength (HS) steel strands and steel connectors. The effects of different self-centering configurations on seismic performance were experimentally evaluated. The benchmark connection with a Π-shaped slotted-in steel connector exhibited good initial load-carrying capacity but suffered from large residual deformation after cyclic loading, with a relative self-centering capability (RSC) of 0.71. The prestressed connection without effective beam-end confinement experienced brittle splitting failure at the beam end, limiting the activation of the restoring force provided by the HS steel strands. In contrast, the connection combining an external energy-dissipating steel jacket with HS steel strands achieved excellent self-centering performance (RSC = 0.95) and stable energy dissipation. The connection incorporating HS steel strands together with a Π-shaped steel connector and an external steel jacket attained the highest initial stiffness and ultimate load capacity. However, the excessive stiffness restrained rocking behavior and reduced the self-centering capability (RSC = 0.81). Therefore, the enhanced energy-dissipating steel jacket is recommended for self-centering InorgBam beam-to-column connections, as the measure balances ductility, damage control, and self-centering capacity, while avoiding the negative effect of excessive stiffness on the rotational recovery of the connection.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"353 ","pages":"Article 122291"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146184864","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Structural performance of circular hollow precast high-strength concrete-filled steel tube piles under cyclic flexural and varying high axial loads","authors":"Clarissa Jasinda , Keito Nagao , Trevor Zhiqing Yeow , Susumu Kono , David Mukai , Kiyoshi Miyahara","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2026.122248","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2026.122248","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This paper investigates the structural performance of hollow precast high-strength concrete-filled steel tube (H-HSCFST) piles under cyclic flexural and varying high axial loads, simulating severe seismic conditions. An experimental program on eight real-scale specimens was conducted to examine the influence of steel tube thickness, concrete shell thickness, and the presence of concrete infill on the capacity and the ductility of the H-HSCFSTs. The investigation showed that ductility is significantly enhanced by using compact steel tubes and concrete infill, while thick concrete shell enhanced the moment capacity, whereas noncompact tubes combined with thin concrete shells exhibit poor performance. Furthermore, the results found that existing design codes (AISC 360–22, AIJ 2022 guideline on foundation members, and Eurocode 4) are inadequate for predicting pile behavior under these demanding loads. Recommendations to update these existing codes were suggested. To address the identified modeling deficiencies, a computationally efficient multi-spring fiber-based numerical model was developed. This model incorporates novel constitutive laws where new coefficients are proposed for both the steel and concrete material models to directly reflect the observed experimental phenomena. The modified steel model uses these coefficients to account for strength loss after concrete crushing, while the concrete model uses them to correlate strength and residual stress to shell slenderness. Comparison against experimental data demonstrated that the proposed model accurately reproduces the global moment-drift responses and local strain distributions. Furthermore, the model was successfully validated against 11 specimens from an independent dataset. The developed model provides an efficient and reliable tool for the seismic design of H-HSCFST piles for engineering practice.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"353 ","pages":"Article 122248"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146184998","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Engineering StructuresPub Date : 2026-04-15Epub Date: 2026-02-02DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.122063
Z.W. Song , Z. Yaw , S.K. Lai , C.M. Wang
{"title":"New finite-difference-based discrete models for Euler and Timoshenko beam problems","authors":"Z.W. Song , Z. Yaw , S.K. Lai , C.M. Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.122063","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2025.122063","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Although the finite difference method (FDM) has been widely employed in structural analysis for its rigorous mathematical formulation, its underlying physical interpretation remains a topic of continued investigation. Historically, the Hencky bar-chain model (HBM) was proposed as a discrete physical analogue of the central first-order FDM, representing a system of rigid segments interconnected by frictionless hinges and elastic rotational springs. However, the end rotational springs in the HBM do not correspond to actual physical springs, further clarification is thus required. In this study, we develop two novel finite-difference-based discrete models (FDDMs) tailored for Euler−Bernoulli and Timoshenko beam problems. By applying appropriate finite difference schemes to discretize the spatial derivatives in the potential energy function, these FDDMs emerge as well-posed and fully independent discrete beam models incorporating actual end springs. Consequently, they serve as true physical counterparts to their respective FDMs. This work not only introduces innovative discrete beam models aligned with finite difference formulations, but also offers a deeper understanding of the method.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"353 ","pages":"Article 122063"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146185000","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Engineering StructuresPub Date : 2026-04-15Epub Date: 2026-02-09DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2026.122303
Mohamed H. El-Naqeeb , Reza Hassanli , Xing Ma , Milad Bazli , Allan Manalo , Thong M. Pham
{"title":"Influence of connection type on the effectiveness of CFRP wraps in seismic repair of precast GFRP-reinforced concrete columns","authors":"Mohamed H. El-Naqeeb , Reza Hassanli , Xing Ma , Milad Bazli , Allan Manalo , Thong M. Pham","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2026.122303","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2026.122303","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The growing demand for accelerated construction and durable, low-maintenance structures has increased interest in precast concrete systems reinforced with glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP). To support wider adoption, various connection systems have been developed to meet project requirements. Under seismic loading, damage is typically limited to the concrete, with severity depending on the connection type. Despite this, these structures generally exhibit limited residual drift and remain repairable after strong earthquakes. However, their post-repair behaviour remains insufficiently understood, limiting confidence in the long-term safety and resilience of repaired structures. To address this gap, this study investigates the structural performance of repaired precast column-to-footing connections under seismic loading and compares it with that of the original specimens. The connections include a corrugated duct connection (GCDC), a pocket connection with a non-contact lap splice filled with engineered cementitious composite (ECC), and bolted connections with stainless steel bolts of varying sizes. The specimens were repaired using patch mortar and confined with two layers of carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) wraps at the connection region. The results showed that the repair method was effective in nearly restoring the lateral capacity of bolted connections, while GCDC exceeded the original by 32 % and the pocket connection was 9 % lower. In addition, the drift capacity of the repaired systems, defined as the drift at the point corresponding to the peak load, outperformed the originals. The GCDC reached 10 % drift versus 3.2 % originally, the pocket connection 8 % versus 4 %, and bolted connections up to 8 %, compared to 5 % and 3.2 % for the original connections with larger and smaller bolts, respectively. The failure mode of all the repaired systems was improved, with the failure zone shifting away from the repaired region. This resulted in a gradual flexural failure, particularly mitigating the sudden failure observed in the original bolted connections. Finally, the repaired specimens were able to dissipate 1.96–2.38 times more energy than the originals, although the initial stiffness was only partially restored to 83–92 % of the original. Overall, the proposed repair method restores and improves the seismic performance of precast GFRP-RC structures with different connections, providing a reliable approach for post-earthquake repair.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"353 ","pages":"Article 122303"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146185238","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"H2 norm based active multiple tuned mass dampers optimization for resonance suppression with robust stability constraint","authors":"Jianqiang Yao, Haode Huo, Yunzhi Zhang, Qin Li, Wentao Li, Chenyang Ding","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2026.122316","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2026.122316","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Flexible modes with low damping limit the improvement of performance in nanometer precision motion stages. Tuned mass dampers (TMDs) are an effective devices to increase damping. However, active control strategies considering both the TMDs parameter optimization and system robustness have not been sufficiently explored. This paper proposes an active multi-TMD system optimization method for resonance suppression applied to a flexible structure. In the multi-TMD system, the mass, damping coefficient, stiffness, and location of each TMD are all regarded as independent design variables. The flexible structure coupled with the multi-TMD system is modeled as a general Linear Fractional Transformation (LFT) framework considering both parameter uncertainties and multiplicative uncertainties in the two subsystems. Optimal parameters of the multi-TMD system and an optimal <span><math><msub><mrow><mi>H</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn></mrow></msub></math></span> controller are obtained simultaneously using genetic algorithm. With the structured singular value upper bound constraint, robust stability against uncertainties is guaranteed. Numerical studies on a thin plate demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method in both nominal and uncertain systems. Among 5000 samples, the proposed method achieves more than 82% <span><math><msub><mrow><mi>H</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn></mrow></msub></math></span> norm attenuation even in the worst case.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"353 ","pages":"Article 122316"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146185392","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Engineering StructuresPub Date : 2026-04-15Epub Date: 2026-02-04DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2026.122297
Yihan Chen , Yang Wei , Zhuang Zhao , Jiawei Chen , Yi Ding , Jiyang Yi
{"title":"Eccentric compression behavior of laminated bamboo-filled steel tube columns with different slenderness ratios","authors":"Yihan Chen , Yang Wei , Zhuang Zhao , Jiawei Chen , Yi Ding , Jiyang Yi","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2026.122297","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2026.122297","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Driven by global building decarbonization and sustainable construction trends, laminated bamboo-filled steel tube (LBST) columns have emerged as a promising low-carbon alternative to traditional concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) structures. This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the eccentric compression behavior of LBST columns through an integrated experimental and numerical approach. Systematic uniaxial eccentric compression tests were conducted on 28 LBST specimens to elucidate the coupled effects of slenderness ratio (<em>λ</em>), relative eccentricity (<em>e</em><sub>0</sub>/<em>D</em>), and steel tube thickness (<em>t</em>) on their ultimate capacity, failure mechanisms, and ductility. The experimental results reveal a transition in failure modes: from localized material crushing in short columns with small eccentricities to global flexural buckling in slender members with large eccentricities. Notably, the confinement provided by 4 mm and 6 mm steel tubes enhanced the core bamboo strength by 96.20 % and 126.82 %, respectively. Quantitatively, eccentricity and slenderness ratio were found to reduce the ultimate capacity by up to 62.67 % and 35.15 %, while significantly degrading initial stiffness. To verify the precision of the proposed model and further explore its performance across a broader parameter space, a high-fidelity finite element (FE) model was developed and validated against the experimental data, followed by a parametric extension involving 74 additional cases. The results confirm that the experimentally derived model maintains high predictive accuracy even under extended parametric conditions (R² = 0.9780). Finally, a normalized axial load-moment (N-M) interaction envelope is proposed, with its reliability and general applicability rigorously validated through the synergy of experimental findings and the expanded numerical database. This study provides a scientifically-grounded design criterion and a crucial theoretical foundation for the standardized engineering application of LBST columns.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"353 ","pages":"Article 122297"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146185391","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Engineering StructuresPub Date : 2026-04-15Epub Date: 2026-02-10DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2026.122295
Zhining Jiang , Qiang Qing , Jinghai Gong
{"title":"Coupling analysis method for the construction tensioning simulation process of flexible cable structures","authors":"Zhining Jiang , Qiang Qing , Jinghai Gong","doi":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2026.122295","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.engstruct.2026.122295","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Flexible cable structures have been widely used in buildings such as large stadiums and exhibition centers due to their significant mechanical advantages. Flexible cable structures need to be formed by tensioning. However, during the tensioning process of flexible cable structures, the system exhibits a geometrically variable state due to insufficient stiffness, posing significant challenges to its tensioning simulation analysis, especially for large-span cable structures. Current research on tensioning simulation methods for such structures primarily focuses on the nonlinear finite element method (NLFEM) and the vector-form intrinsic finite element method (VFIFE). However, nonlinear FEM is prone to matrix ill-conditioning and iterative non-convergence problems, and VFIFE has great difficulty in conducting collaborative tensioning analysis of cable structures and supporting structures. Furthermore, difficulties exist in determining the initial state of cables during the tensioning process of flexible cable structures. Therefore, this paper proposes a simulation method for the tensioning process of flexible cable structures that couples the NLFEM with the VFIFE method: The VFIFE is used to analyze the tensioning process of flexible cable structures, while NLFEM is employed to analyze the supporting structure to obtain the influence of the supporting structure's deformation on the tensioning process of flexible cable structures. Meanwhile, this paper also proposes a method for determining the initial configuration of cables. The applicability of the proposed method is first validated through experiments in relevant literature. Subsequently, this paper successfully simulates the tensioning process of Tongren Olympic Sports Center, a spoke-type cable-truss—one of typical flexible cable structure configurations, with a long span of 263.3 m and a short span of 245.3 m. It obtains the spatial positions of cable structure nodes, axial forces of cables and rods, lengths and tensions of tooling cables, as well as node deformations and member internal forces of the supporting structure during tensioning. The advantages and disadvantages of the two tensioning schemes are comparatively analyzed, thereby providing technical support for the final scheme of the actual project.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":11763,"journal":{"name":"Engineering Structures","volume":"353 ","pages":"Article 122295"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146185613","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}