TECHNICAL PAPERS
Jan 1, 1983

Gravity Stiffness of Classical Suspension Bridges

Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 109, Issue 1

Abstract

Although classical suspension bridges have been designed for over 70 years using the deflection theory, it is difficult to obtain from literature a clear understanding of their structural action. The all‐important “gravity stiffness” is isolated from the modifying effects due to cable extensibility, tower stiffness, and deck bending stiffness. Graphs of maximum gravity stiffness deflections and changes of slope due to concentrated and distributed loads are presented, and formula for the modifying effects are given. It is found that with flexible decks simple formula exist for the maximum bending moment and shearing force in the deck due to concentrated and distributed loads.

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References

1.
Atkinson, R. J., and Southwell, R. V., “On the Problem of Stiffened Suspension Bridges, and its Treatment by Relaxation Methods,” Journal of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Vol. 11, 1939, pp. 289–326.
2.
Brotton, D. M., “A General Corriputer Programme for the Solution of Suspension Bridge Problems,” The Structural Engineer, Vol. 44, 1966, pp. 161–167.
3.
Crosthwaite, C. D., “The Corrected Theory of the Stiffened Suspension Bridge,” Journal of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Vol. 27, 1947, pp. 470–496.
4.
Hardesty, S., and Wessman, H. E., “Preliminary Design of Suspension Bridges,” American Society of Civil Engineers, Vol. 64, 1938, pp. 69–98.
5.
Jennings, A., “Gravity Stiffness of Multicable Suspension Bridges,” Civil Engineering Department Report, Queens University, Belfast, Ireland, 1980.
6.
Jennings, A., and Mairs, J. E., “Static Analysis of Suspension Bridges,” Journal of the Structural Division, ASCE, Vol. 98, No. ST11, Nov., 1972, pp. 2433–2454.
7.
Pugsley, Sir A., The Theory of Suspension Bridges, Second Edition, Arnold, London, England, 1968.
8.
Roberts, G., Gowring, G. I. B., Hardie, A., and Hyatt, K. E., “Severn Bridge,” Proving of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Vol. 41, 1968 (reprinted 1970), pp. 1–104.
9.
Saafan, S. A., “Theoretical Analysis of Suspension Bridges,” Journal of the Structural Division, ASCE, Vol. 92, No. ST4, 1966, pp. 1–11.
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Szidarovszky, J., “Corrected Deflection Theory of Suspension Bridges,” Journal of the Structural Division, ASCE, Vol. 86, No. ST11, 1960, pp. 25–51.

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Go to Journal of Structural Engineering
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 109Issue 1January 1983
Pages: 16 - 36

History

Published online: Jan 1, 1983
Published in print: Jan 1983

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Alan Jennings
Prof., Civ. Engrg. Dept., Queen's Univ., Belfast, N. Ireland

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