Application of Suspension Bridges Stiffened by Prestressed Concrete Slabs in China

Four suspension bridges stiffened by prestressed concrete slabs were designed and constructed on highways in southwestern mountainous areas of China. These bridges are the first applications of its kind in China. This paper discusses the site condition, adaptability, and design and construction features of these bridges. These bridges have single suspension spans between 278 and $388\mathrm{m}$ and deck width between 14.4 and $15.0\mathrm{m}$ . The longitudinal distance between hangers is only $5\mathrm{m}$ , which is relatively small for this bridge type, and there are only two lanes. The dual direction prestressed concrete slabs are $0.6\mathrm{m}$ deep, and its wind blocking area is relatively small. Dynamic analysis and wind tunnel tests verify that the wind resistance requirements are easily satisfied.