Vibration Studies of Tsing Ma Suspension Bridge
Publication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 2, Issue 4
Abstract
A three-dimensional dynamic finite element model is established for the Tsing Ma long suspension Bridge in Hong Kong. The two bridge towers made up of reinforced concrete are modeled by three-dimensional Timoshenko beam elements with rigid arms at the connections between columns and beams. The cables and suspenders are modeled by cable elements accounting for geometric nonlinearity due to cable tension. The hybrid steel deck is represented by a single beam with equivalent cross-sectional properties determined by detailed finite element analyses of sectional models. The modal analysis is then performed to determine natural frequencies and mode shapes of lateral, vertical, torsional, longitudinal, and coupled vibrations of the bridge. The results show that the natural frequencies of the bridge are very closely spaced; the first 40 natural frequencies range from 0.068 to 0.616 Hz only. The computed normal modes indicate interactions between the main span and side span, and between the deck, cables, and towers. Significant coupling between torsional and lateral modes is also observed. The numerical results are in excellent agreement with the measured first 18 natural frequencies and mode shapes. The established dynamic model and computed dynamic characteristics can serve further studies on a long-term monitoring system and aerodynamic analysis of the bridge.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 2 • Issue 4 • November 1997
Pages: 149 - 156
Copyright
Copyright © 1997 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Nov 1, 1997
Published in print: Nov 1997
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