Spatial structural analysis of main saddle for single tower spatial cable self-anchored suspension bridge

Based on the engineering background of the Jiangxinzhou Bridge in Nanjing, issues related to the spatial main saddle of the self-anchored suspension bridge are studied. The refinement finite element model is established by the secondary development technology based on the platform of the general finite element program, and a reasonable load pattern is used in its spatial structural analysis, by which its path of force transference and stress distribution are obtained. Matched with the spatial main cable, the tangency point correction method is also discussed. The results show that the lateral wall stress of the saddle groove is higher than the stress within the wall due to the role of lateral forces in the finished bridge state; the horizontal volume force of the main cable can generate a gradient distributed vertical extrusion pressure on the saddle clamping device and the main saddle body; the geometric nonlinear effect of the self- anchored suspension bridge cable system in the construction process is significant, which can be reflected in the spatial tangent point position of the main cable with the main saddle changes a lot from free cable to finished cable.

Test and numerical investigations on static and dynamic characteristics of extra-wide concrete self-anchored suspension bridge under vehicle loads

The present work is aimed at studying the mechanic properties of the extra-wide concrete self-anchored suspension bridge under static and dynamic vehicle loads. Based on the field test using 12 heavy trucks and finite element simulations, the static deformations of different components, stress increments and distributions of the girder, as well as the vibration characteristics and damping ratio of the Hunan Road Bridge were analyzed, which is the widest self-anchored suspension bridge in China at present. The dynamic responses were calculated using the Newmark-β integration method assisted by the simulation models of bridge and vehicles, the influences on the dynamic impact coefficient(DIC) brought by the vehicle parameters, girder width, eccentricity travel and deck flatness were also researched. The spatial effect of the girder is obvious due to the extra width, which performs as the stress increments distribute unevenly along the transverse direction, and the girder deflections and stress increments of the upper plate change as a "V" and "M" shape respectively under the symmetrical vehicle loads affected by the shear lag effect, cross slope and local effect of the wheels, the maximum of stress increments are located in the junctions with the inner webs. The obvious girder torsional deformation and the apparent unevenness of the hanger forces between the two cable planes under the eccentric vehicle loads, together with the mode shapes such as the girder transverse bending and torsion which appear relatively earlier, all reflect the weakened torsional rigidity of the extra-wide girder. The transverse displacements of towers are more obvious than the longitudinal ones. As for the influences on the DIC, the static effect of the heavier vehicles plays a major role when pass through with a higher speed and the changes of vehicle suspension stiffness generate greater impacts than the suspension damp. The values of DIC in the vehicle-running side during the eccentric travel, affected by the restricts from the static effects of the eccentric moving trucks, are significantly smaller than the vehicle-free side, the increase in the road roughness is the most sensitive one among the above influential factors. The results could provide references for the design, static and dynamic response analysis of the similar extra-wide suspension bridges.

Determination of reasonable finished state of self-anchored suspension bridges

A systematic and generic procedure for the determination of the reasonable finished state of self-anchored suspension bridges is proposed, the realization of which is mainly through adjustment of the hanger tensions. The initial hanger tensions are first obtained through an iterative analysis by combining the girder-tower-only finite element(FE) model with the analytical program for shape finding of the spatial cable system. These initial hanger tensions, together with the corresponding cable coordinates and internal forces, are then included into the FE model of the total bridge system, the nonlinear analysis of which involves the optimization technique. Calculations are repeated until the optimization algorithm converges to the most optimal hanger tensions(i.e. the desired reasonable finished bridge state). The "temperature rigid arm" is introduced to offset the unavoidable initial deformations of the girder and tower, which are due to the huge axial forces originated from the main cable. Moreover, by changing the stiffness coefficient K in the girder-tower-only FE model, the stiffness proportion of the main girder, the tower or the cable subsystem in the whole structural system could be adjusted according to the design intentions. The effectiveness of the proposed method is examined and demonstrated by one simple tutorial example and one self-anchored suspension bridge.

Health monitoring and comparative analysis of time-dependent effect using different prediction models for self-anchored suspension bridge with extra-wide concrete girder

The structural health status of Hunan Road Bridge during its two-year service period from April 2015 to April 2017 was studied based on monitored data.The Hunan Road Bridge is the widest concrete self-anchored suspension bridge in China at present.Its structural changes and safety were evaluated using the health monitoring data,which included deformations,detailed stresses,and vibration characteristics.The influences of the single and dual effects comprising the ambient temperature changes and concrete shrinkage and creep(S&C)were analyzed based on the measured data.The ANSYS beam finite element model was established and validated by the measured bridge completion state.The comparative analyses of the prediction results of long-term concrete S&C effects were conducted using CEB-FIP 90 and B3 prediction models.The age-adjusted effective modulus method was adopted to simulate the aging behavior of concrete.Prestress relaxation was considered in the stepwise calculation.The results show that the transverse deviations of the towers are noteworthy.The spatial effect of the extra-wide girder is significant,as the compressive stress variations at the girder were uneven along the transverse direction.General increase and decrease in the girder compressive stresses were caused by seasonal ambient warming and cooling,respectively.The temperature gradient effects in the main girder were significant.Comparisons with the measured data showed that more accurate prediction results were obtained with the B3 prediction model,which can consider the concrete material parameters,than with the CEB-FIP 90 model.Significant deflection of the midspan girder in the middle region will be caused by the deviations of the cable anchoring positions at the girder ends and tower tops toward the midspan due to concrete S&C.The increase in the compressive stresses at the top plate and decrease in the stresses at the bottom plate at the middle midspan will be significant.The pre-deviations of the towers toward the sidespan and pre-lift of the midspan girder can reduce the adverse influences of concrete S&C on the structural health of the self-anchored suspension bridge with extra-wide concrete girder.

Seismic Behavior Analysis of Steel Tower of Self-anchored Suspension Bridge

Self-anchored suspension bridge is composed of tower and its foundation, stiffened beam, main cable, sling, side pier and its foundation, auxiliary pier and its foundation. The performance and importance of the components of the bridge are different. The main tower of self-anchored suspension bridge is a very important component. Once the injury and damage occur under earthquake, it is not only difficult to inspect and repair, let alone replace. This paper calculates the seismic performance of self-anchored suspen-sion bridge steel tower based on the application of Wuhan Gutian Bridge steel tower.

Defect Inspection Technology for Steel Truss Suspension Bridges

Steel truss suspension bridges are prone to developing defects after prolonged use.These defects may include corrosion of the main cable or the steel truss.To ensure the normal and safe functioning of the suspension bridge,it is necessary to inspect for defects promptly,understand the cause of the defect,and locate it through the use of inspection technology.By promptly addressing defects,the suspension bridge’s safety can be ensured.The author has analyzed the common defects and causes of steel truss suspension bridges and proposed specific inspection technologies.This research is intended to aid in the timely discovery of steel truss suspension bridge defects.

Study on seismic response control of a single-tower self-anchored suspension bridge with elastic-plastic steel damper

Elastic-plastic steel damper(EPSD) is a new device controlling seismic responses.The mechanical principle of EPSD was presented and a comparison was conducted between the theoretical formulas and finite element(FE) simulation of damper units.The verified force-displacement hysteretic curve of the damper system was obtained with reference to tests.The Nanjing Jiangxinzhou Bridge(NJB) was subsequently taken as the case to investigate the seismic response control effect of EPSDs on single-tower self-anchored suspension bridges.A 3-dimensional FE model of the bridge was established in ANSYS and the dynamic and static analyses of the bridge were conducted,the control effect of EPSDs under different seismic waves was further investigated through nonlinear time-history analysis based on the validated model.Results showed that both the simplified theoretical and FE simulation methods can preferable reflect the mechanical performance of EPSD,and that seismic responses of NJB with EPSDs are better than those with elastic connection device or fluid viscous damper.However,the control effect of EPSDs is influenced by seismic wave characteristics.

Calculation method on shape finding of self-anchored suspension bridge with spatial cables

Based on the spatial model,a reliable and accurate calculation method on the shape finding of self anchored suspension bridge with spatial cables was studiedin this paper.On the principle that the shape of the main cables between hangers is catenary,the iteration method of calculating the shapes of the spatial main cables under the load of hanger forces was deduced.The reasonable position of the saddle was determined according to the shape and the theoretical joint point of the main cables.The shapes of the main cables at completed cable stage werecalculated based on the unchanging principle of the zero-stress lengths of the main cables.By using a numerical method combining with the finite element method,one self-anchored suspension bridge with spatial cables was analyzed.The zero-stress length of the main cables,the position of the saddle,and the pre-offsetting of the saddle of the self-anchored suspension bridge were given.The reasonable shapes of the main cables at bridge completion stage and completed cable stage were presented.The results show that the shape-finding calculation method is effective and reliable.

Comprehensive Optimal Control on Seismic Response of a Single-Tower Self-Anchored Suspension Bridge

Earthquake may cause severe damage to all kinds of bridge such as the falling down of the girder; therefore,effective measures should be employed to control the seismic displacement. In this paper,the method of comprehensive optimal control,com-bined with analytic hierarchy process,is employed to investigate the seismic response control of the Nanjing Jiangxinzhou Bridge,which is a single-tower self-anchored suspension bridge （SSSB）. Also,3-dimensional nonlinear seismic response analyses are con-ducted. Three types of practical connection measures for seismic response control of SSSB are investigated,and the optimal pa-rameters of the connection devices are achieved by this method. Results show that both the elastic connection devices and the damp-ers with rational parameters can reduce the seismic displacement of the bridge effectively,but the elastic connection devices will in-crease the seismic force of the tower. When all factors are consid-ered,the optimal measure is by using the elastic connection devices and the dampers together. These results can provide references for seismic response control of SSSBs.

Study of Vertical Seismic Response of Concrete Self-Anchored Suspension Bridges

Based on the variational prineiple of incomplete generalized potential energy with large deflection, the vertical nonlinear vibrational differential equation of self-anchored suspension bridge is presented by taking the effect of coupling of flexural and axial action into consideration. The linear vertical equation is obtained by omitting the nonlinear term, and the pseudo excitation method(PEM). Taking the self-anchored concrete suspension bridge over Lanqi Songhua river for an example, the expected peak responses of main beam, towers and cables are calculated. And the seismic spatial effects on vertical seismic response of self-anchored suspension bridges are discussed.

A method for calculating strand tension in the anchor span of a suspension bridge considering the rotation of a splay saddle

This paper reports a method for strand tension in anchor spans considering rotation.A kind of co-moved coordinate system,a saddle local coordinate system,was set up.This system implemented the rotation of the splay saddle through the rotation of the coordinate system,and all calculations proceeded in this coordinate system.Considering the rotation of the anchoring surface by the rotation of the local coordinate system of the anchoring surface,the anchorage point coordinates of strands were transformed to the local sadle coordinate system.There was a two-layer iteration adopted in the calculation.In the inner iteration,the cable force at the end of the vertical bend was taken as the variable,and the ordinate of the anchorage point was taken as the target value.In the outer iteration,the vertical tangential angle at the end of the vertical bend was taken as the variable,and the ordinate of the anchorage point was taken as the target value.The method carried out the rotation of the splay saddle and anchor surface and was simple,convenient and without approximation.The effect of rotation was considered precisely;it showed stability during the process of two-layer iteration,powerful adaptation and higher efficiency and had been successfully applied in the construction control of the Wufengshan Yangtze River Bridge,the world's first kilometer-level combined highway and railway suspension bridge.

Mechanical deformation properties of Continuous Welded Rail on kilometer-span suspension bridge for high-speed railway

The complex bridge-track interaction between kilometer-span bridges and continuous Welded Rail(CWR)brings great challenges to CWR designing.Taking a suspension bridge with laying CWR as a case,the mechanical properties of CWR on the bridge are analyzed to reveal the sensitive areas of the track,and the design method of CWR and track structures on the beam ends are proposed.The results show that the unidirectional Rail Expansion Joints(REJ)need to be installed on the beam end of the kilometer-span bridge to reduce rail longitudinal force.Due to the bridge characteristics,there is no CWR fixed area on the kilometer-span bridge,and rail longitudinal force on the main span caused by bending loads needs to be concerned.The deformation of track on the beam end is complex,which is the weak area on the kilometer bridge,the large relative displacement between the stock rail of REJ and the main beam can cause poor stability of ballast bed on beam end,small resistance fasteners need to be laid on the sides of stock rail on the main beam to increase the stability of ballast and fasteners on the beam end.To improve the driving safety and comfort of beam end,the Sleeper-Supporting Apparatus(SSA)should be specially designed to ensure the uniform transition of track on beam ends.Temperature and wind loads have a significant impact on track regularity on the kilometer span bridge,the dynamic response of trains and bridges under those loads needs to be attended to.

Long-Time Behavior of Solution for Autonomous Suspension Bridge Equations with State-Dependent Delay

This work is devoted to the following suspension bridge with state-dependent delay: . The main goal of this paper is to investigate the long-time behavior of the system. Under suitable hypothesis, the quasi-stability estimates of the system are established, based on which the existence of global attractor with finite fractal dimension is obtained. Furthermore, the existence of exponential attractor is proved.

Comparable study on typhoon and strong northern wind characteristics of the Runyang Suspension Bridge based on field tests

The strong wind characteristics of the Runyang Suspension Bridge（ RSB） including the wind speed and direction, the turbulence intensity, the turbulence integral length and power spectrum are analyzed based on measurement data from the wind environment monitoring subsystem of the structural health monitoring system （SHMS）of the RSB and field tests during strong winds. The differences between the typhoon and the strong northern wind are especially studied. It is found that the mean wind speed of the strong northern wind is a little smaller and the mean wind direction is more stable than that of the typhoon. The turbulence intensity of both the typhoon and the strong northern wind is greater than the values suggested in Chinese code, and the turbulence integral length difference between the typhoon and a strong northern wind is not clear. As for the along-wind turbulence power spectrum, the spectrum of the strong northern wind can fit the Kaimal spectrum better than that of the typhoon. The obtained results can provide measurement data for founding a strong wind characteristic database and determining the strong wind characteristic parameter values of the RSB.

Measurement of wind field characteristics at a long-span suspension bridge

In order to provide a reliable basis for wind resistant evaluation of a long-span suspension bridge, a structural health monitoring system is installed on a bridge in the East China Sea and the simultaneous wind data at the bridge deck and at the top of the bridge tower are recorded. The average wind speeds and directions, variations of wind speeds with height, turbulent characteristics, spatial correlation and characteristics of wind flow around the bridge deck are analyzed by using statistical methods and spectral analysis. It is found that the average wind speeds along the bridge girder are almost identical; however, the mean wind directions vary greatly at different locations. The dimensionless exponent decreases as the average wind speed increases. The measured turbulence intensities are greater than the recommended values, and the turbulence power spectrum can well fit the standard spectrum. However, the measured spectral values are considerably smaller in low frequency ranges. The mean wind speed of the wake flow decreases and the turbulence intensity increases significantly, and the spectral characteristics of the wake flow change obviously while the feature frequency of vortex shedding has not yet been observed.

Operational modal identification of suspension bridge based on structural health monitoring system

An output-only modal identification method by a combination use of the peak-picking method and the cross spectrum methods are presented. Meanwhile, a novel mode shape optimum method of the deck is proposed. The methods are applied to the operational modal identification system of the Runyang Suspension Bridge, which can be used to obtain the modal parameters of the bridge from out-only data sets collected by its structural health monitoring system （SHMS）. As an example, the vibration response data of the deck, cable and tower recorded during typhoon Matsa excitation are used to illustrate the program application. Some of the modal frequencies observed from deck vibration responses are also found in the vibration responses of the cable and the tower. The results show that some modal shapes of the deck are strongly coupled with the cable and the tower. By comparing the identification results from the operational modal system with those from field measurements, a good agreement between them is achieved, but some modal frequencies identified from the operational modal identification system （OMIS）, such as L1 and L2, obviously decrease compared with those from the field measurements.

Finite element model updating and validating of Runyang Suspension Bridge based on SHMS

Based on the finite element （FE） program ANSYS, a three-dimensional model for the Runyang Suspension Bridge （RSB） is established. The structural natural frequency, vibration mode, stress and displacement response under various load cases are given. A new method of FE model updating is presented based on the physical meaning of sensitivity and the penalty function concept. In this method, the structural model is updated by modifying the parameters of design, and validated by structural natural vibration characteristics, stress response as well as displacement response. The design parameters used for updating are bounded according to measured static response and engineering judgment. The FE model of RSB is updated and validated by the measurements coming from the structural health monitoring system （SHMS）, and the FE baseline model reflecting the current state of RSB is achieved. Both the dynamic and static results show that the method is effective in updating the FE model of long span suspension bridges. The results obtained provide an important research basis for damage alarming and health monitoring of the RSB.

Damage warning of suspension bridges based on neural networks under changing temperature conditions

This paper aims at successive structural damage detection of long-span bridges under changing temperature conditions.First,the frequency-temperature correlation models of bridges are formulated by means of artificial neural network techniques to eliminate the temperature effects on the measured modal frequencies.Then,the measured modal frequencies under various temperatures are normalized to a reference temperature,based on which the auto-associative network is trained to monitor signal damage occurrences by means of neural-network-based novelty detection techniques.The effectiveness of the proposed approach is examined in the Runyang Suspension Bridge using 236-day health monitoring data.The results reveal that the seasonal change of environmental temperature accounts for variations in the measured modal frequencies with averaged variances of 2.0%.And the approach exhibits good capability for detecting the damage-induced 0.1% variance of modal frequencies and it is suitable for online condition monitoring of suspension bridges.

Synthetical condition assessment of long span suspension bridge based on closeness degree and FAHP

Based on the theory of pattern recognition, the concept of closeness degree between fuzzy sets is brought into the condition assessment of long span bridges. Using the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process （FAHP）, a mathematical model of a multi-objective assessment of a long span suspension bridge is set up. An example is given to show the procedure in the synthetical condition assessment of the Runyang Suspension Bridge, which includes the hierarchical division, the definition of factor weights and fuzzy membership functions, and the calculation of closeness degrees, etc. The assessment combines both the data from the health monitoring system and the manual tests. The classification of evaluation items as well as the calculation of deterministic and nondeterministic items is presented. Compared with the traditional method of point rating, this method can better describe the discreteness of monitoring data and the fuzziness in the condition assessment.

Structural condition assessment of long-span suspension bridges using long-term monitoring data

This paper focuses on developing an online structural condition assessment technique using long-term monitoring data measured by a structural health monitoring system. The seasonal correlations of frequency-temperature and beam-end displacement-temperature for the Runyang Suspension Bridge are performed, first. Then, a statistical modeling technique using a six-order polynomial is further applied to formulate the correlations of frequency-temperature and displacement-temperature, from which abnormal changes of measured frequencies and displacements are detected using the mean value control chart. Analysis results show that modal frequencies of higher vibration modes and displacements have remarkable seasonal correlations with the environmental temperature and the proposed method exhibits a good capability for detecting the micro damage-induced changes of modal frequencies and displacements. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively eliminate temperature complications from frequency and displacement time series and is well suited for online condition monitoring of long-span suspension bridges.