Roebling Suspension Bridge. II: Ambient Testing and Live-Load Response
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VIEW THE ORIGINAL ARTICLEPublication: Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 9, Issue 2
Abstract
This is the second part of a two-part paper on the evaluation of the historic Roebling suspension bridge using dynamic-analysis techniques. Dynamic properties are determined using ambient field testing under natural excitation. The finite-element (FE) model described in the first part of this two-part paper is modified to more accurately represent current bridge properties. Modifications of the model are based on correlating the FE model frequencies with ambient test frequencies by adjusting the FE model stiffness parameters. The updated 3D FE model is subsequently subjected to an extreme live-load condition to evaluate static safety margins. In addition, cable areas are reduced by 10 to 40% to simulate further deterioration and corrosion. The safety margin of the main cables is demonstrated to be good even when assuming a very conservative 40% cable area reduction, and truss member forces remain within the maximum load-carrying capacity even when the cable areas are reduced by 40%.
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Information
Published In
Journal of Bridge Engineering
Volume 9 • Issue 2 • March 2004
Pages: 119 - 126
Copyright
Copyright © 2004 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 28, 2001
Accepted: Nov 19, 2002
Published online: Feb 19, 2004
Published in print: Mar 2004
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