Parametric Study on Safety Factor for Cable Slip in Four-span Suspension Bridges

Abstract

<p>Multi-span suspension bridges have many advantages with respect to constructability, cost and aesthetic aspect, compared to 3-span suspension bridges, because the number of anchorages can be reduced. However, there are not enough design experiences for such bridge type so that various studies for multi-span suspension bridge must be carried out. Especially, the slip between cable and saddle on the top of middle pylon is one of the most important factors in the design phase.</p> <p>In this paper, parametric analyses were performed to examine the variation of safety factor for cable slip according to design variables, such as sag ratio, stiffness of middle pylon and girder for 4-span suspension bridge. Eventually, the followings were obtained.</p> <p>As the sag ratio or the stiffness of middle pylon decreases, the safety factor for cable slip increased. When the self-weight of stiffening girder increased, the safety factor also increased.</p>