General Information
Figure 1 shows a pedestrian suspension bridge.
Type | Single-span suspension bridge |
Main span | ≅ 35 m |
Deck width | ≅ 2 m |
Deck width to main span ratio | ≅ 1:17 |
Pylon | Reinforced concrete (tower square shaped) |
Girder | Steel arch truss |
Steel Arch Truss
Figure 2 shows a schematic lateral view of the bridge.
The arch rise r ≅ 2 m, and the main span s ≅ 35 m; that gives an arch rise to main span ratio of about 1/17. Figure 3 shows an arch truss sector.
The truss height h ≅ 0.4 m, and the truss members consist of rectangular hollow profiles. Assuming a two-hinged arch truss with a dead load of 100 kg/m. Figure 4 shows a schematic lateral view of the bridge without the suspension system.
Gusset Plates
Figure 5 shows an arch truss sector.
The gusset plates (marked by the letter G) are welded on each upper chord node and alternating on the bottom chord nodes.
Are the gusset plates required for structural reasons?