Analysis Model Verification of a Suspension Bridge Exploiting Configuration Survey and Field-Measured Data

Abstract

The conformity between predicted and actual configurations of a suspension bridge is examined through a field survey with the compensation of temperature effects. The tension in the main cable is estimated from the surveyed configuration utilizing force equilibriums at the cable junction nodes. The measured hanger tensions and rigorous dead load information are also incorporated. The as-built configuration of the bridge shows fairly good agreement with the designed shape. The reproducibility of the dynamic properties is also examined for dominant vertical modes. The only tuning in the connection conditions of bearings produces natural frequencies that are in good agreement with the measured values.