A Unified Deflection Theory Model for Multi-Tower Self-Anchored Suspension Bridges with Different Tower–Girder and Cable–Girder Connections
This study presents a unified analytical model for multi-tower self-anchored suspension bridges integrating tower–girder connections (TGCs) and cable–girder connections (CGCs) within the framework of deflection theory. The connections are modeled as horizontal springs, and governing equations are de...
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MDPI AG
2024-12-01
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| author | Shiyu Guan Dinghui Liao Yi Zhang Jun Shi Shuang Liu Hongyou Cao |
| author_facet | Shiyu Guan Dinghui Liao Yi Zhang Jun Shi Shuang Liu Hongyou Cao |
| author_sort | Shiyu Guan |
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| description | This study presents a unified analytical model for multi-tower self-anchored suspension bridges integrating tower–girder connections (TGCs) and cable–girder connections (CGCs) within the framework of deflection theory. The connections are modeled as horizontal springs, and governing equations are derived based on force equilibrium and compatibility conditions. A comparison with a nonlinear finite element analysis under various live load scenarios confirms the accuracy of the proposed model. A parametric analysis reveals that increasing the CGC stiffness reduces girder deflection, decreasing the maximum vertical deflection by nearly 42.3% when the stiffness is increased from 0 to infinity and moving the maximum displacement from the mid-span section to the mid-tower section. Additionally, CGCs modify the load distribution between the main cable and the girder, limiting the longitudinal displacement of the tower in which the mid-tower displacement is reduced by 45.50%. Tower–girder connections improve the anchoring of the side cable to the tower. When connection stiffness is low, side- and middle-tower stiffness significantly reduce girder deflection, though this effect decreases with increasing stiffness. Enhancing mid-tower stiffness similarly reduces its longitudinal displacement regardless of the tower–girder connection. In longitudinal floating systems, mid-tower displacement rises with increasing side-tower stiffness. Establishing a unified analysis model reveals the key parameters in the structural analysis of suspension bridges, enabling an easier and faster analysis of multi-tower self-anchored suspension bridges. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-80a2f028d9274c09ab20612e724c694d |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2075-5309 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2024-12-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
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| spelling | doaj-art-80a2f028d9274c09ab20612e724c694d2025-08-20T02:53:40ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092024-12-011412394510.3390/buildings14123945A Unified Deflection Theory Model for Multi-Tower Self-Anchored Suspension Bridges with Different Tower–Girder and Cable–Girder ConnectionsShiyu Guan0Dinghui Liao1Yi Zhang2Jun Shi3Shuang Liu4Hongyou Cao5China Construction Third Bureau First Engineering Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430040, ChinaSchool of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, ChinaChina Construction Third Bureau First Engineering Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430040, ChinaChina Construction Third Bureau First Engineering Co., Ltd., Wuhan 430040, ChinaSchool of Civil Engineering & Hydraulic, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430074, ChinaSchool of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, ChinaThis study presents a unified analytical model for multi-tower self-anchored suspension bridges integrating tower–girder connections (TGCs) and cable–girder connections (CGCs) within the framework of deflection theory. The connections are modeled as horizontal springs, and governing equations are derived based on force equilibrium and compatibility conditions. A comparison with a nonlinear finite element analysis under various live load scenarios confirms the accuracy of the proposed model. A parametric analysis reveals that increasing the CGC stiffness reduces girder deflection, decreasing the maximum vertical deflection by nearly 42.3% when the stiffness is increased from 0 to infinity and moving the maximum displacement from the mid-span section to the mid-tower section. Additionally, CGCs modify the load distribution between the main cable and the girder, limiting the longitudinal displacement of the tower in which the mid-tower displacement is reduced by 45.50%. Tower–girder connections improve the anchoring of the side cable to the tower. When connection stiffness is low, side- and middle-tower stiffness significantly reduce girder deflection, though this effect decreases with increasing stiffness. Enhancing mid-tower stiffness similarly reduces its longitudinal displacement regardless of the tower–girder connection. In longitudinal floating systems, mid-tower displacement rises with increasing side-tower stiffness. Establishing a unified analysis model reveals the key parameters in the structural analysis of suspension bridges, enabling an easier and faster analysis of multi-tower self-anchored suspension bridges.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/14/12/3945multi-tower self-anchored suspension bridgetower–girder connectionscable–girder connectionsdeflection theoryanalytical model |
| spellingShingle | Shiyu Guan Dinghui Liao Yi Zhang Jun Shi Shuang Liu Hongyou Cao A Unified Deflection Theory Model for Multi-Tower Self-Anchored Suspension Bridges with Different Tower–Girder and Cable–Girder Connections Buildings multi-tower self-anchored suspension bridge tower–girder connections cable–girder connections deflection theory analytical model |
| title | A Unified Deflection Theory Model for Multi-Tower Self-Anchored Suspension Bridges with Different Tower–Girder and Cable–Girder Connections |
| title_full | A Unified Deflection Theory Model for Multi-Tower Self-Anchored Suspension Bridges with Different Tower–Girder and Cable–Girder Connections |
| title_fullStr | A Unified Deflection Theory Model for Multi-Tower Self-Anchored Suspension Bridges with Different Tower–Girder and Cable–Girder Connections |
| title_full_unstemmed | A Unified Deflection Theory Model for Multi-Tower Self-Anchored Suspension Bridges with Different Tower–Girder and Cable–Girder Connections |
| title_short | A Unified Deflection Theory Model for Multi-Tower Self-Anchored Suspension Bridges with Different Tower–Girder and Cable–Girder Connections |
| title_sort | unified deflection theory model for multi tower self anchored suspension bridges with different tower girder and cable girder connections |
| topic | multi-tower self-anchored suspension bridge tower–girder connections cable–girder connections deflection theory analytical model |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/14/12/3945 |
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