General Information
Figure 1 shows a suspension bridge that is used by motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians.
| 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.
The connection consists of a square U-bolt with a frame plate, and the wire rope termination consists of U-bolt clamps. The hanger cable passes over the main cable and through the frame plate via two holes. Figure 3 shows a connection viewed from above.
The frame plate is in a horizontal position. Figure 4 shows a further connection where the frame plate is in a vertical position.
What are the main structural consequences?
Figure 5 shows a further hanger cable.
An additional hanger cable with a smaller diameter and without the square U-bolt and the frame plate is installed next to a regular hanger cable.
Figure 6 shows hanger cables viewed from below.
The U-bolt clamps of hanger cables 1 to 3 are marked by the yellow circles. Hanger cable 1 has three U-bolt clamps, while hanger cables 2 and 3 have two U-bolt clamps. The distance between the U-bolt clamps (s) of all three hanger cables is extended and not constant, and the dead end is twisted on the live end between the U-bolt clamps.
Main Cables
Figure 7 shows a main span sector viewed from the deck.
Main cable 1 is at a different elevation than main cable 2.
What are the main structural consequences?