scholarly journals A Novel Shape Finding Method for the Main Cable of Suspension Bridge Using Nonlinear Finite Element Approach

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 4644
Author(s):  
Weiliang Zhu ◽  
Yaojun Ge ◽  
Genshen Fang ◽  
Jinxin Cao
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Suspension Bridge ◽  
Nonlinear Finite Element ◽  
Finite Element Approach ◽  
Main Cable ◽  
Element Approach ◽  
Lagrangian Coordinate ◽  
Main Cables ◽  
Finding Method

The determination of the final cable shape under the self-weight of the suspension bridge enables its safe construction and operation. Most existing studies solve the cable shape segment-by-segment in the Lagrangian coordinate system. This paper develops a novel shape finding method for the main cable of suspension bridge using nonlinear finite element approach with Eulerian description. The governing differential equations for a three-dimensional spatial main cable is developed before a one-dimensional linear shape function is introduced to solve the cable shape utilizing the Newton iteration method. The proposed method can be readily reduced to solve the two-dimensional parallel cable shape. Two iteration layers are required for the proposed method. The shape finding process has no need for the information of the cable material or cross section using the present technique. The commonly used segmental catenary method is compared with the present method using three cases study, i.e., a 1666-m-main-span earth-anchored suspension bridge with 2D parallel and 3D spatial main cables as well as a 300-m-main-span self-anchored suspension bridge with 3D spatial main cables. Numerical studies and iteration results show that the proposed shape finding technique is sufficiently accurate and operationally convenient to achieve the target configuration of the main cable.

scholarly journals Wind-Induced Vibration Response of an Inspection Vehicle for Main Cables Based on Computer Simulation

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Lu Zhang ◽  
Shaohua Wang ◽  
Peng Guo ◽  
Qunsheng Wang
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Wind Speed ◽  
Ride Comfort ◽  
Suspension Bridge ◽  
Vibration Response ◽  
Fe Model ◽  
Main Cable ◽  
Main Cables ◽  
Wind Induced Vibration ◽  
Wind Induced Vibration Response

This paper presents a simulation approach based on the finite element method (FEM) to analyze the wind-induced vibration response of an inspection vehicle for main cables. First, two finite element (FE) models of a suspension bridge and a main cable-inspection vehicle coupled system are established using MIDAS Civil software and ANSYS software, respectively. Second, the mean wind speed distribution characteristics at a bridge site are analyzed, and the wind field is simulated based on the spectral representation method (SRM). Third, a modal analysis and a wind-induced vibration response transient analysis of the suspension bridge FE model are completed. Fourth, the vibration characteristics of the inspection vehicle are analyzed by applying fluctuating wind conditions and main cable vibration displacements in the main cable-inspection vehicle coupled FE model. Finally, based on the ISO2631-1-1997 standard, a vehicle ride comfort evaluation is performed. The results of the suspension bridge FE modal analysis are in good accordance with those of the experimental modal test. The effects of the working height, number of nonworking compressing wheels, and number of nonworking driving wheels during driving are discussed. When the average wind speed is less than 13.3 m/s, the maximum total weighted root mean square acceleration (av) is 0.1646 m/s2 and the vehicle ride comfort level is classified as “not uncomfortable.” This approach provides a foundation for the design and application of inspection vehicles.

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