Purpose <p>Cross-ties are usually utilized to connect the cables (and the beam) to form an integrated structure, thereby achieving the vibration control on cable-stayed bridges. In the previous researches on dynamic behaviors of the cable-cross-tie system, the vibration of the bridge deck is neglected. Therefore, a multi-cross-tie cable-beam model that includes the vibration of the bridge deck in the modeling is proposed in this study.</p> Methods <p>First, the expressions of the modal functions are derived using the method of separation of variables. Then, the basic theory for solving the model is established based on the transfer matrix method (TMM). Three numerical examples, namely the one-cross-tie cable-beam model, the two-cross-tie cable-beam model and the three-cross-tie cable-beam model, are examined to elucidate the applicability of the method presented in this paper through comparing the corresponding frequencies and mode shapes with those obtained using the finite element method (FEM).</p> Results <p>Taking the one-cross-tie cable-beam model as an example, a parametric analysis is conducted to investigate the effects of some key parameters on the frequencies. It is observed that the influence of the Young’s modulus of the beam is more significant than that of the cable. The stiffness, position and number of the cross-ties have almost no effect on the first three global frequencies. Compared with the cross-tie stiffness, the cross-tie position has a more obvious impact on the frequencies. Additionally, the change in the cable force may alter the positions of the veering points.</p> Conclusion <p>This study takes into account the vibration of the bridge deck, enabling a more comprehensive analysis of the dynamic characteristics of the cable-cross-tie system. The results based on the numerical examples show that the proposed model and solving method are feasible. The study also confirms the necessity of considering the vibration of the bridge deck.</p>