Deformation Characteristics of Main Cable in Suspension Bridge Caused by Live Load

Abstract:

Deformation characteristics of main cable in suspension bridges was studied under the effect of displacement of tower, elastic elongation and unbalanced load. The relationship among the change of cable sag, the elongation of the cable and the displacement of tower top was studied. The smaller the sag ratio was, the larger the sag changed. The most unfavorable loading mode was researched by means of energy method and equilibrium condition of force. Results show if there was no elongation, the maximum deflection caused by unbalanced distributed load was relevant to the ratio of live load to dead load and the sag of cable. Analytic formulas were given and verified by a finite element model. The results agreed well with the theoretical value.

Key words:suspension bridge; main cable; deformation; live load