Parameter Identification of Main Cables of Cable Suspension Structures Based on Vibration Monitoring of Cable: Methodology and Experimental Verification

Abstract

This paper focus on parameter identification of the main cables of cable suspension structures. Based on the dynamic stiffness theory, an inverse analysis characteristic function (IAC function) for identifying the main cable parameters (such as cable tension, moment of inertia, cable length, and mass per unit length) is established. This function allows for the consideration of cable flexural rigidity, sag, inclination, and additional lumped masses sustained by the suspender. The effects of the cable tension and moment of inertia on the IAC function are investigated via a numerical method. On this basis, a method for identifying the two parameters based on the peak-ridges of the IAC function is proposed. The method comprehensively utilizes measured multimode frequencies. It is unnecessary to determine the fundamental frequency and frequency order. A 20-m real cable test with suspended lumped masses is conducted to verify the correctness of the proposed methods. With the increase in the weight of suspended lumped masses, the advantages of the proposed method are more obvious. For operational cable tension less than 50% of the cable breaking tension, the cable moment of inertia is less affected by suspended lumped masses.