This paper presents a performance-based framework for assessing wind-induced, system-level inelastic behavior in cable-supported bridges. The framework aims to provide a rational methodology for evaluating whether, and to what extent, inelastic structural response can be safely accommodated under wind loading, and for identifying which structural components may undergo inelastic deformation while satisfying prescribed performance objectives. The proposed methodology begins with high-fidelity finite-element (FE) modeling capable of capturing geometric nonlinearity, cyclic material behavior, and wind-structure interaction effects relevant to long-span bridges. Nonlinear time-history analyses (NLTHAs) are performed under representative wind events to characterize asymptotic inelastic response regimes, including elastic shakedown, stable alternating plasticity, and ratcheting. Energy-based diagnostics, residual deformation measures, and damping-based aeroelastic stability indicators are employed to define physically meaningful damage- and stability-related limit states governing admissibility of inelastic response. These limit states are subsequently evaluated probabilistically using mathematical surrogate models trained on NLTHA-generated datasets, enabling efficient Monte Carlo simulation and estimation of the mean annual frequency (MAF) of limit-state exceedance. Expressing wind-induced performance in terms of MAF provides a hazard-agnostic metric that facilitates direct comparison with seismic performance objectives within a unified multi-hazard framework. While the present study focuses on formulation rather than calibration, the proposed framework establishes a pathway toward future development of wind-related response modification factors consistent with target reliability levels. Overall, the framework offers a transparent and computationally efficient basis for performance-based evaluation and optimization of wind-sensitive cable-supported bridges.
