General Information

Figure 1 shows a suspension bridge that is used by motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians.

Suspension bridge.
Suspension bridge over a river
Type Single-span suspension bridge
Main span ≅ 110 m
Deck width ≅ 2 m
Deck width to main span ratio ≅ 1:55
Pylon Reinforced concrete
Girder Timber transverse beam

Hanger Cable to Main Cable Connection

Figure 2 shows a hanger cable to main cable connection.

Hanger cable to main cable connection.
Connection between hanger cable and main cable

The hanger cable passes over the main cable and is fixed with a single U-bolt clamp.

  • What are the main problems?
  • Figure 3 shows two further connections.

    Hanger cables to main cable connections.
    Connections between hanger cables and main cable

    Slackness of hanger cable 1 is noticeable.

  • What are some possible reasons for the above shown hanger cable slackness?
    What are the main structural consequences?
  • Figure 4 shows a hanger cable top-end region.

    Hanger cable top-end region.
    Hanger cable with end-loop

    The hanger cable top-end region has an about 180-degree bent and is fixed with a single U-bolt clamp.

  • What are some possible reasons for the used hanger cable top-end?
  • Hanger Cable to Stringers Connection

    The hanger cables are connected to the timber girders, except for the hanger cable indicated in figure 5.

    Main span sector (viewed from below).
    Connection between hanger cable and stringers

    The hanger cable passes between two C-sections and is directly connected to the stringers. A schematic section of the hanger cable to stringer connection is shown in figure 6.

    Hanger cable to stringer connection.
    Section drawing of the hanger cable to stringer connection
  • What are some possible reasons for connecting a single hanger cable to the stringers?
    What are the main structural consequences?
    How much bending stiffness does a C-section require?