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The existing methods for determining cable forces in cable‐stayed bridges constructed are based on assumption of complete determinacy of structural parameters. This is usually referred to as deterministic analysis. But in reality there are uncertainties in design variables. These uncertainties include geometric properties (cross‐sectional properties and dimensions), material mechanical properties (modulus and strength, etc), load magnitude and distribution, etc. Thus deterministic analysis cannot provide complete information regarding cable forces in cable‐stayed bridges constructed. The purpose of this paper is to determine cable forces in cable‐stayed bridges constructed under parametric uncertainty.

An efficient and accurate algorithm is proposed to determine the cable forces in cable‐stayed bridges constructed under parameter uncertainty. The proposed method is a hybrid method, consisting of the improved Monte Carlo simulation method and forward process analysis method.

The proposed algorithm can obtain more information about the cable forces at different construction stages than the commonly used deterministic method, and it provides an improved understanding of the cable forces in cable‐stayed bridges constructed with parameter uncertainties.

The values of this type of research are that: it developed an efficient and accurate algorithm for determining the cable forces in cable‐stayed bridges constructed under parameter uncertainty; and it provided an improved understanding of the cable forces in cable‐stayed bridges constructed with parameter uncertainties.

Owing to the cable flexibility, it is practically a lot easier to measure the high‐vibration frequencies of the cable than the fundamental vibration frequency. The objective of this study is to present a method to determine the cable tension based on frequency differences so that the effects of cable sag and bending stiffness can be included.

The paper includes theoretical derivation, laboratory study to verify the method and practical application in a real bridge.

It is suggested to measure the high‐vibration frequencies, and to use the vibration frequency difference to determine the fundamental vibration frequency of the cable and then to estimate the cable tension. The reliability of the method is verified by laboratory tests and the method is then applied to determine cable tensions in a real bridge.

This paper provides theoretical derivations to demonstrate that under certain conditions, the frequency difference of a cable with sag and bending is almost equal to the natural frequency of the same cable when it is taut. This unique characteristic of cable vibration is used to determine the cable tension similar to the fundamental frequency‐based taut‐string formula that is commonly used in practice.