General Information
Figure 1 shows a suspension bridge that is used by motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians.
| Type | Single-span suspension bridge |
| Main span | ≅ 95 m |
| Deck width | ≅ 1.5 m |
| Deck width to main span ratio | ≅ 1:63 |
| Pylon | Reinforced concrete (A-longitudinal shaped) |
| Girder | Timber transverse beam |
Hanger Cable to Main Cable Connection
Figure 2 shows a hanger cable to main cable connection.
A main cable consists of three side-by-side placed steel wire ropes that are bound together by U-bolt clamps. The hanger cable is connected to the main cable by the same U-bolt clamp that bonds the main cable; the hanger cable does not pass over the main cable.
Main Cables
Figure 3 shows the main cables in the main span region.
A twisted sector on the right main cable is noticeable.
Hanger Cables
Figure 4 shows a hanger cable.
The hanger cables are also connected to the road safety barrier cables by U-bolt clamps. Figure 5 shows a further hanger cable.
Hanger Cable Failure
Figure 6 shows a failed hanger cable.
The hanger cable failed in the U-bolt clamp region.
What are the main structural consequences?
Hanger Cable to Timber Girder Connections
Figure 7 shows a hanger cable to timber girder connection viewed from above.
The hanger cable passes through the timber girder through two vertical holes. The forces are transferred by direct (cable to timber girder) contact. Figure 8 shows a schematic partial cross-section of the above shown connection.
Figure 9 shows a further hanger cable to timber girder connection viewed from above.
The hanger cable is wrapped around the timber girder and fixed with a single U-bolt clamp. The timber girder has a reduced cross-section. Figure 10 shows a schematic partial cross-section of the above shown connection.
