Open Access

ARTICLE

Cable-Force Feedback Adjustment Method for Long-Span CFST Arch Bridges Based on Global Alignment Sensing Using Three-Dimensional Laser Point Clouds

Jian Nie¹, Wei Ma¹, Chao Luo^2,*, Meiwang Wang¹, Shengyang Liang¹, Xiaojun Deng³
1 China Communications Construction Corporation Second Highway Engineering Bureau Co., Ltd., Xi’an, China
2 School of Civil Engineering, Chongqing Jiaotong University, Chongqing, China
3 China Communications Construction Corporation General Contracting and Operation Branch Qing-Hai-Tibet Highway G109 Project Headquarters, Beijing, China
* Corresponding Author: Chao Luo. Email:

Structural Durability & Health Monitoring https://doi.org/10.32604/sdhm.2026.087284

Received 13 June 2026; Accepted 20 August 2026; Published online 15 September 2026

Abstract

This study proposes a cable-force feedback adjustment method for long-span concrete-filled steel tube arch bridges. The method is based on global alignment sensing using three-dimensional laser point clouds. It aims to solve two problems during construction. One is insufficient global alignment sensing. The other is the difficulty of promptly feeding measured deviations back into construction control. First, a relationship model between arch-rib alignment and cable force during construction is established. Cable-force optimization methods are then developed for the hinge locking and closure stages. Second, a point-cloud-based global alignment sensing method is proposed for arch ribs. This method includes dual-purpose target recognition, coordinate transformation, and main chord tube axis extraction. These procedures enable accurate acquisition of the spatial geometric state of arch ribs under complex construction conditions. Finally, cable-force feedback adjustment, shim compensation, and digital trial assembly assisted prediction methods are developed. These methods are based on the deviations between measured and theoretical alignments. The proposed method was validated using a long-span CFST arch bridge project. The results showed that the proposed three-dimensional laser point cloud based global alignment sensing method had high measurement accuracy. The control point coordinate difference after coordinate transformation using dual-purpose targets was only 3.9 mm at a distance of 300 m. The average deviation of the fitted radius of the main chord tube axis was 1.01 mm, and the maximum deviation was 3.4 mm. During key construction stages, including first-segment installation, hinge locking, and arch closure, the measured alignment agreed well with the theoretical control target. The measured deviations provided the basis for cable force adjustment, while digital trial assembly was used to assess the potential shim demand and predict the resulting segment posture. The engineering application validates the point cloud-based alignment sensing workflow for the monitored chord tubes and demonstrates its potential to support cable force adjustment decisions and digital trial assembly-assisted shim assessment. The present study establishes a feedback-oriented adjustment framework rather than a fully validated quantitative closed loop control system. The proposed framework provides a basis for refined construction control of long span CFST arch bridges.

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Keywords

Concrete-filled steel tube arch bridge; three-dimensional laser point cloud; global alignment sensing; cable-force feedback adjustment; digital trial assembly; construction control

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