To deal with failure of wet joint between a closure segment and its neighboring segments of main girder in an existing prestressed concrete cable-stayed bridge

the technology on replacement of closure segment was presented. In order to analyze structural characteristics of this technology

its technical approaches and construction key points were introduced. Then a FEM model for a typical prestressed concrete cable-stayed bridge was established

and a construction stage analysis method was given in detail

including establishing a structural basement calculation model for replacement of closure segment and simulating its construction procedures. Based upon calculation results

variations of some structural state parameters with construction stages

such as deck deflection of main girder

longitudinal horizontal displacement at the top of pylons

cable forces

were analyzed. The results showed

this method could reflect actual change process of structural state and existing inspected results of cable-stayed bridge

and FEM results could well meet with construction monitoring results during replacement of closure segment. Thus variations of structural characteristics with construction stages could actually be revealed. This method could provide references for design and construction control of replacement of closure segment in existing prestressed concrete cable-stayed bridges.