Evolution of the design of a cable-stayed bracket

In these last years, the design of precast structural elements has remarkably changed showing very sophisticated approaches to allow satisfying all the compound requirements of modern constructions. Specific problems are connected with architectural and esthetically driven requirements which lead to a strong search for compact and minimal configurations of structural parts like brackets. At the same time, also the structural response must be optimized with regards to functional and ultimate responses but also with respect to structural robustness aspects. Furthermore, the possibility to include also dissipative devices is considered. In the present work, the evolution of the design of a bracket component, supported by a cable-stayed system, is presented. This apparently simple element conceals a rather complex structural geometry, developed to be suitable both for strength requirements and constructability. The so devised solution can assure: - Manufacturing of precast elements without exterior parts; - Minimal size of the bracket and completely hidden insertion in the supported beams; - Compliance with different standards. The evolution of the leading concepts and of the geometry of this element is explained together with the numerical analysis obtained both by synthetic models, like strut & tie, and by full non linear finite element models.