The traditional construction methods (e.g., erecting cable after girder) of self-anchored suspension bridge, can interrupt traffic during the construction stage due to the installation of temporary supports. That severely limits the wide application of this type of bridges. Thus, this study proposes a novel tower-girder anchorage (TGA) technique for accelerated construction of self-anchored suspension bridges. By using the proposed TGA technique, the mid-span girder segments are hoisted and connected to the hangers, which subsequently avoids the interruption of traffic during the construction period. The proposed TGA technique would reduce the construction cost, time of erection, and demolition of temporary scaffolds.To ensure structural safety and performance during the proposed construction process, the force transfer mechanism and construction process of TGA technique are assessed. To this end, the devices for TGA and system transformation are designed. The constructability of TGA technique on accelerated bridge construction is evaluated by a real-world application: Dongtiao River Bridge in China. A finite element model is established to analyze the construction process. Simulation analysis and field test data are compared. The comparison demonstrates that TGA technique can safely and economically achieve accelerated construction of self-anchored suspension bridges.

Completed in 2019, the Second Humen Bridge in south China has created a much-needed additional link between Guangzhou and Dongguan in the economocially thriving Pearl River Delta region. It crosses the Nizhou and Dasha waterways with suspension main spans of 1688 m and 1200 m, respectively. The Nizhou crossing is the longest steel box girder suspension bridge in the world and, at 49·7 m wide, both crossings are the widest built. This paper describes their design and construction and the innovative techniques used.