Cable force optimization and research of buckle cables during construction of a steel box arch bridge based on particle swarm algorithm

Taking the Xiangou Steel Box Through Arch Bridge in Linxia, Gansu as a case study, this research compared the traditional finite element method and particle swarm optimization algorithm for calculating tied-cable forces during construction, with results validated through field monitoring data. The particle swarm optimization approach demonstrated significant advantages over traditional finite element analysis, reducing key structural node displacement by 56.3% and member bending moment by 45.5%, thus greatly improving structural stability. Comparative analysis with field measurements showed that traditional finite element calculations had an average deviation of 11.2% from measured data, while the particle swarm optimization results maintained only 4.1% average error. The study confirms that particle swarm optimization achieves higher accuracy in determining tied-cable forces for arch bridges, providing an innovative solution for similar bridge optimization problems.