General Information
Figure 1 shows a pedestrian suspension bridge.
| Type | Three-span suspension bridge |
| Main span | ≅ 50 m |
| Deck width | ≅ 2.5 m |
| Deck width to main span ratio | ≅ 1:20 |
| Pylon | Steel and reinforced concrete |
| Girder | Steel twin H-girder |
U-Bolt Clamps (Wire Rope Clips)
Figure 2 shows a schematic lateral view of the bridge.
The main cables are connected to the anchor blocks as shown in figure 3.
The connection to the anchor block consists of a U-anchor, two master links, and a turnbuckle. The main cable has a diameter of about 4 cm, and the termination consists of a cable thimble and four U-bolt clamps, which are arranged as shown in figure 4.
The saddle parts are placed on the live end of the cable, and the spacing starting from the thimble's end is as follows: S1 ≅ 4 cm, S2 ≅ 10 cm, S3 ≅ 7 cm, and S4 ≅ 5 cm. The turn back S5 ≅ 33 cm.
Do the U-bolt clamps require maintenance? Is it possible to replace them?
Would the failure of a single U-bolt clamp cause a progressive bridge collapse?