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
Girder Timber and steel transverse beams
Pylon Reinforced concrete

Connection Between Hanger Cable and Main Cable

Figure 2 shows a hanger cable to main cable connection.

Hanger cable to main cable connection (mid-span region).
Connection between hanger and main cable

The hanger cable passes over the main cable and through a two-hole frame plate, which lies horizontally and connects to the main cable by a square U-bolt and nuts. The hanger cable termination consists of U-bolt clamps. Figure 3 shows a connection where the frame plate is in a vertical position.

Hanger cable to main cable connection (mid-span region).
Connection between hanger cable and main cable
  • What are some possible rotation causes?
    What are the main structural consequences?
  • Figure 4 shows hanger cables in the pylon region.

    Hanger cables (pylon region).
    Connection between hanger cables and main cable

    The frame plates of hangers one to three are in a horizontal position. Hanger 1 has three U-bolt clamps (marked by the circles), while hangers 2 and 3 have two U-bolt clamps; they are placed apart at different distances (s), and the dead end is twisted on the live end between the U-bolt clamps.

  • What is the purpose of the above shown hangers terminations?
    How does the termination affect the structural behavior of the hanger cable?
  • Figure 5 shows a regular hanger with an additional hanger placed next to the regular one.

    Hanger cables (mid-span region).
    Connection between hanger cable and main cable

    The additional hanger cable has a smaller diameter and is without a frame plate and a square U-bolt.

  • What are some possible reasons to install the additional hanger cable?
  • Main Cables

    Figure 6 shows a main span sector.

    Main span.
    Different elevations of the main cables

    Main cable 1 is at a different elevation than main cable 2.

  • What are some possible reasons for the different elevations of the main cables?
    What are the main structural consequences?