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 ≅ 100 m
Deck width ≅ 2 m
Deck width to main span ratio ≅ 1:50
Pylon Reinforced concrete
Girder Timber transverse beam

Pylon Deformation

Figure 2 shows a pylon.

Pylon.
Pylon deformation

The double yellow arrow marks the pylon-top horizontal displacement d.

Figure 3 shows the top region of the pylon.

Pylon top-region.
Top region of a pylon

The main cable inclination angle α is greater than the main cable inclination angle β.

  • Can α and β be a possible cause for the horizontal displacement d?
  • Main Cable Anchorage

    Figure 4 shows a main cable anchorage.

    Main cable anchorage.
    Front view Enlarged front view
    Main cable anchorage

    The main cable is connected to nine wire rope sheaves by short cables, which are fixed by U-bolt clamps. Main cable and short cables are connected directly (cable-to-cable connection).

  • What are the main problems?
  • Stringers

    Figure 5 shows a main span sector viewed from the deck.

    Main span.
    Main span timber deck

    The deck consists of timber planks that are connected to the stringers by carriage bolts, washers and nuts. Figure 6 shows a main span sector viewed from below.

    Main span.
    Timber planks to stringer connection
  • Does the carriage bolt size and spacing affect the structural behavior of the stringers?