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.

Numerical Simulation Analysis of Welded Joints in Arch Ribs of Large Span Steel Pipe Arch Bridges

In order to study the residual stress distribution law of welded joints of arch ribs of large-span steel pipe concrete arch bridges,numerical simulation of temperature,stress and strain fields based on ABAQUS for welded joints of arch-ribbed steel tubes using 7-,8-and 9-layer welds is carried out and its accuracy is demonstrated.The steel pipe welding temperature changes,residual stress distribution,different processes residual stress changes in the law,the prediction of post-weld residual stress distribution and deformation are studied in this paper.The results show that the temperature field values and test results are more consistent with the accuracy of numerical simulation of welding,the welding process is mainly in the form of heat transfer;Residual high stresses are predominantly distributed in the Fusion zone(FZ)and Heat-affected zone(HAZ),with residual stress levels tending to decrease from the center of the weld along the axial path,the maximum stress appears in the FZ and HAZ junction;The number of welding layers has an effect on the residual stress distribution,the number of welding layers increases,the residual stress tends to decrease,while the FZ and HAZ high stress area range shrinks;Increasing the number of plies will increase the amount of residual distortion.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mechanical performance evaluation of a new type of cable-stayed beam-arch combination bridge based on field tests

In order to study the mechanical performance of a new type of cable-stayed beam-arch combination bridge, the results of field static and dynamic load tests are comparatively analyzed with numerical results based on the Jingyi bridge straddling the Daxi River in Yixing. First, the test scheme, tasks, the corresponding measure method, as well as the relevant codes are described. Secondly, two sets of three- dimensional finite element models are established. One is Ansys which uses the solid element and the other is Midas which adopts the beam element. Finally, the experimental and analytical results are comparatively analyzed, and they show an agreement with each other. The results show that the bridge possesses adequate load-carrying capacity under all static load cases, but the capacity of dissipating external input energy is insufficient due to the relatively smaller damping ratio. The study results can provide a reference for further study and optimization of this type of bridge. Calibrated finite-element models that reflect the real conditions can be used as a baseline for future maintenance of the bridge.

The Research on Wooden Arched Bridges and Traditional Villages' Environmental Image in East Fujian Province of China——A Case Study of Youxi Ancient Village in Shouning County of East Fujian

By taking Youxi Village which was the typical village with wooden arched bridges in East Fujian for example, it had discussed landforms, geology, soil, climate and vegetation in natural environment which could be perceived and village's cultural and historical background. Based on relevant research results in academic field, it had studied the relationship between wooden arched bridges and villages' environment in East Fujian, and further analyzed the relation of wooden arched bridges as traditional architectural heritages with village's living condition and history. On this basis, it had analyzed imaginability of natural environment of Youxi Village from the aspects of village's site and stream's trend, and imaginability of cultural environment by taking Wenming Bridge, Liren Bridge and Zhangkeng Bridge for example. It was considered that wooden arched bridge was the consolidation of natural environment and had been the recognizable image at villages of East Fujian, manifesting heavy cultural characteristic.

Preservation Strategies of Timber-framed Arch Bridges as Cultural Landscape Heritage

Theoretical study on and safeguarding of cultural landscape heritage has been put on the agenda of heritage protection in Zhejiang and Fujian provinces.The safeguarding of timber-framed arch bridge heritage in the past 5 decades could be classified into 3 stages,and heritage protection in all 3 stages was closely related to original meaning of "landscape",which proved that timber-framed arch bridge heritage had profound inside information,and the safeguarding of timber-framed arch bridge from the perspective of cultural landscape heritage was worth further study.Safeguarding of timber-framed arch bridge cultural landscape heritage focused on integrated conservation,but not protection of individual bridges.Integrated conservation of world heritage is to maintain and restore the integrated environment landscape of the heritage,thus protection of timber-framed arch bridge heritage is not only to explore its architectural craftsmanship,but also to lay a foundation for the dynamic succession of such craftsmanship as intangible cultural heritage.Value of the existing timber-framed arch bridges as historic building heritage was discussed,and it was proposed that ultimate objectives of the safeguarding could be realized step by step from 3 layers.

Longitudinal force in continuously welded rail on long-span tied arch continuous bridge carrying multiple tracks

Considering arch rib, lateral brace, suspender, girder, pier and track position, the model for the interaction between long-span tied arch continuous bridge and multiple tracks was established by using steel-concrete composite section beam element to simulate concrete-filled steel tube(CFST) arch rib, using the beam element with rigid arm to simulate the prestressed concrete girder and using nonlinear bar element to simulate longitudinal constraint between track and bridge. Taking a(77+3×156.8+77) m tied arch continuous bridge with four tracks on the Harbin-Qiqihar Passenger Dedicated Line as an example, the arrangement of continuously welded rail(CWR) was explored. The longitudinal force in CWR on the tied arch continuous bridge, the pier top horizontal force and torque due to the unbalance load case, were analyzed under the action of temperature, vertical live load, train braking and wind load.Studies show that, it can significantly reduce track displacement to set the track expansion devices at main span arch springing on both sides; the track stress due to arch temperature variation can reach 40.8 MPa; the track stress, pier top horizontal force and torque are related to the number of loaded tracks and train running direction, and the bending force applied to unloaded track is close to the loaded track, while the braking force applied to unloaded track is 1/4 to 1/2 of the loaded track; the longitudinal force of track due to the wind load is up to 12.4 MPa, which should be considered.

Traveling wave effect on the seismic response of a steel arch bridge subjected to near fault ground motions

In the 1990s, several major earthquakes occurred throughout the world, with a common observation that near fault ground motion （NFGM） characteristics had a distinct impact on causing damage to civil engineering structures that could not be predicted by using far field ground motions. Since then, seismic responses of structures under NFGMs have been extensively examined, with most of the studies focusing on structures with relatively short fundamental periods, where the traveling wave effect does not need to be considered. However, for long span bridges, especially arch bridges, the traveling wave （only time delay considered） effect may be very distinct and is therefore important. In this paper, the results from a case study on the seismic response of a steel arch bridge under selected NFGMs is presented by considering the traveling wave effect with variable apparent velocities. The effects of fling step and long period pulses of NFGMs on the seismic responses of the arch bridge are also discussed.

Sensitive factors research for track-bridge interaction of Long-span X-style steel-box arch bridge on high-speed railway

X-style arch bridge on high-speed railways(HSR)is one kind of complicated long-span structure,and the track-bridge interaction is essential to ensure the safety and smoothness of HSR.Taking an X-style steel-box arch bridge with a main span of450 m on HSR under construction for example,a new integrative mechanic model of rail-stringer-cross beam-suspenderpier-foundation coupling system was established,adopting the nonlinear spring element simulating the longitudinal resistance between track and bridge.The transmission law of continuous welded rail(CWR)on the X-style arch bridge was researched,and comparative study was carried out to discuss the influence of several sensitive factors,such as the temperature load case,the longitudinal resistance model,the scheme of longitudinal restraint conditions,the introverted inclination of arch rib,the stiffness of pier and abutment and the location of the rail expansion device.Calculating results indicate that the longitudinal resistance has a significant impact upon the longitudinal forces of CWR on this kind of bridge,while the arch rib’s inclination has little effect.Besides,temperature variation of arch ribs and suspenders should be taken into account in the calculation.Selecting the restraint system without longitudinally-fixed bearing and setting the rail expansion devices on both ends are more reasonable.

Determination of initial cable force of cantilever casting concrete arch bridge using stress balance and influence matrix methods

Cantilever casting concrete arch bridge using form traveller has a broad application prospect.However,it is difficult to obtain reasonable initial cable force in construction stage.In this study,stress balance and influence matrix methods were developed to determine the initial cable force of cantilever casting concrete arch bridge.The stress balance equation and influence matrix of arch rib critical section were established,and the buckle cable force range was determined by the allowable stress of arch rib critical section.Then a group of buckle cable forces were selected and substituted into the stress balance equation,and the reasonable initial buckle cable force was determined through iteration.Based on the principle of force balance,the initial anchor cable force was determined.In an engineering application example,it is shown that the stress balance and influence matrix methods for the determination of initial cable force are feasible and reliable.The initial cable forces of arch rib segments only need to be adjusted once in the corresponding construction process,which improves the working efficiency and reduces the construction risk.It is found that the methods have great advantages for determining initial cable force in cantilever casting construction process of concrete arch bridge.

An investigation of the seismic behavior of a deck-type reinforced concrete arch bridge

This paper attempts to explore potential benefits of form in a deck-type reinforced concrete（RC） arch bridge in connection with its overall seismic behavior and performance. Through a detailed three-dimensional finite element modeling and analysis of an actual existing deck-type RC arch bridge, some useful quantitative information have been derived that may serve for a better understanding of the seismic behavior of such arch bridges. A series of the nonlinear dynamic analyses has been carried out under the action of seven different time histories of ground motion scaled to the AASHTO 2012 response spectrum. The concept of demand to capacity ratios has been employed to provide an initial estimation of the seismic performance of the bridge members. As a consequence of the structural form, a particular type of irregularity is introduced due to variable heights of columns transferring the deck loads to the main arch. Hence, a particular attention has been paid to the internal force/moment distributions within the short, medium, and long columns as well as along the main arch. A study of the effects of the vertical component of ground motion has demonstrated the need for the inclusion of these effects in the analysis of such bridges.

Acomparative study between China and U.S.on seismic design philosophy and practice of a long span arch bridge

This paper presents the first of a series of case studies on the seismic design of long span bridges （cable-stayed bridges, suspension bridges and arch bridges） under a cooperative research project on seismic behavior and design of highway bridges between the State Key Laboratory for Disaster Reduction in Civil Engineering, Tongji University and the Multidisciplinary Center for Earthquake Engineering Research, University at Buffalo. The objective of this series of case studies is to examine the differences and similarities on the seismic design practice of long span bridges in China and the U.S., to identify research needs and to develop design guidelines beneficial to bridge engineers in both countries. Unlike short to medium span bridges, long span bridges are not included in most seismic design specifications, mainly because they are location dependent and structurally unique. In this paper, an available model of a steel tied half through arch bridge with a main span of 550m in China is discussed. Analysis is focused on comparisons of the seismic responses due to different ground motions. Seismic design criteria and seismic performance requirements for long span bridges in both countries were first introduced and compared, and then three near field earthquake records with large vertical components were selected as the excitations to examine the seismic behavior and seismic vulnerability of the bridge. Results show that （1） the selected near field ground motions cause larger responses to key components （critical sections） of the bridge （such as arch rib ends） with a maximum increase of more than twice those caused by the site specific ground motions; （2） piers, longitudinal girders and arch crowns are more vulnerable to vertical motions, especially their axial forces; and （3） large vertical components of near field ground motions may not significantly affect the bridge＇s internal forces provided that their peak acceleration spectra ordinates only appear at periods of less than 0.2s. However, they may have more influence on the longitudinal displacements of sliding bearings due to their large displacement spectra ordinates at the fundamental period of the bridge.

Approach for analyzing the ultimate strength of concrete filled steel tubular arch bridges with stiffening girder

A convenient approach is proposed for analyzing the ultimate load carrying capacity of concrete filled steel tubular (CFST) arch bridge with stiffening girders. A fiber model beam element is specially used to simulate the stiffening girder and CFST arch rib. The geometric nonlinearity, material nonlinearity, influence of the construction process and the contribution of prestressing reinforcement are all taken into consideration. The accuracy of this method is validated by comparing its results with experimental results. Finally, the ultimate strength of an abnormal CFST arch bridge with stiffening girders is investigated and the effect of construction method is discussed. It is concluded that the construction process has little effect on the ultimate strength of the bridge.

Concrete-Filled Steel Tube Arch Bridges in China

In the past 20 years, great progress has been achieved in China in the construction of concrete-filled steel tube （CFST） arch bridges and concrete arch bridges with a CFST skeleton. The span of these bridges has been increasing rapidly, which is rare in the history of bridge development. The large-scale construction of expressways and high-speed railways demands the development of long-span arch bridges, and advances in design and construction techniques have made it possible to construct such bridges. In the present study, the current status, development, and major innovative technologies of CFST arch bridges and concrete arch bridges with a CFST skeleton in China are elaborated. This paper covers the key con- struction technologies of CFST arch bridges, such as the design, manufacture, and installation of steel tube arch trusses, the preparation and pouring of in-tube concrete, and the construction of the world＇s longest CFST arch bridge-the First Hejiang Yangtze River Bridge. The main construction technologies of rein- forced concrete arch bridges are also presented, which include cable-stayed fastening-hanging cantilever assembly, adjusting the load by means of stay cables, surrounding the concrete for arch rib pouring, and so forth. In addition, the construction of two CFST skeleton concrete arch bridges-the Guangxi Yongning Yong River Bridge and the Yunnan-Guangxi Railway Nanpan River Bridge--is discussed. CFST arch bridges in China have already gained a world-leading position; with the continuous innovation of key technologies, China will become the new leader in promoting the development of arch bridges.

A Survey of Steel Arch Bridges in China

A review of the current status and progress of steel arch bridges in China is presented in this paper. The existing steel arch bridges in China were analyzed in terms of steel material, span, structure type, main arch rib form and construction method. The comparison with CFST arch bridges and RC arch bridges is also conducted. It is shown that steel arch bridge has gain rapid development in China since 2000, characterized by long main spans. As for the span, most of the steel arch bridges have a span less than 250 m, while when the span exceeds 350 m, steel arch bridges are strongly competitive against CFST or RC arch bridges. Over 80% of the bridges are through and half-through bridge types, and the arch ribs are hingeless structures. The rise-to-span ratios of the arches are mainly between 1：4 and 1： 5. Most of the arches use solid box ribs, and a small portion of arches use truss ribs in which box sections are mostly adopted for the truss members. The cantilever method and scaffolding method are the two main construction methods used, but some other construction methods have also been developed.

Time-dependent behavior comparison of long-span concrete arch bridge between prototype and model

Beipanjiang Bridge is a long-span concrete arch bridges with stiffened skeleton(CABSS)in China.It has a fixed end arch with the span of 445 m and the rise of 100 m.To evaluate the rationality of the construction sequence and the time-dependent behavior of CABSS,an experimental study of a model bridge was explored.But the measured displacement and stress ratios of arch rib between prototype and model bridge did not subject to linear similarity relation when the time-dependent behavior was considered.So,the three-dimensional finite element models were established,and verified by the measured data.Then,the displacements and stresses of the prototype and model were compared with each other,when the elastic analysis or coupling of temperature and shrinkage,creep effect was considered.Furthermore,a parametric study was studied.The results showed that when the temperature,shrinkage and creep effect of concrete are considered,the finite element analysis results of prototype and model agree well with the measured results.The displacement and stress ratios of prototype and model bridge in construction and bridge completed stage do not present the geometric similarity ratio 7.5 and 1.0,respectively.They are also much influenced by concrete predicting model and variation of temperature.