General Information
Figure 1 shows a suspension bridge that is used by motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians.
| Type | Single-span self-anchored suspension bridge |
| Main span | ≅ 9 m |
| Deck width | ≅ 1.5 m |
| Deck width to main span ratio | ≅ 1:6 |
| Pylon | Reinforced concrete and steel (H-shaped) |
| Girder | Cold-formed steel (CFS) longitudinal beam |
Structural Concept
Figure 2 shows the bridge.
The pylons are made of steel profiles (upper region, yellow dashed lines) and reinforced concrete columns (bottom region, white dashed lines). Pylon 1 has two RC columns; profiles and columns are on the same vertical axis. Pylon 2 has four RC columns; profiles and columns are not on the same vertical axis. Figure 3 shows a side view of pylon 2.
Figure 4 shows the main cable layout.
The bridge does not have hanger cables. The two main cables are connected to the main span mid-region and the girders' ends, as shown in figures 5 and 6, respectively.
The main cable passes through a U-plate, which is connected to the girder by a transverse beam. U-plate, transverse beam, and girder are connected by welding.
The main cable is connected to the girder by an eye bolt and a steel sleeve. Figure 7 shows a schematic partial three-dimensional view of the bridge.
Video 1 shows the main cables during hand-induced vibration.
Beam Bridge vs Suspension Bridge
A steel beam bridge as an alternative variant and the used suspension bridge are shown in figure 8.
The total length of the suspension bridge (span of the beam bridge) is about 13 meters.
What are the main differences between the abutment of the beam bridge and the abutment of the suspension bridge?