Preliminary Static Analysis of Suspension Bridges

Analysis of suspension bridges involves a lot of skills, and sometimes it is difficult to predict the behavior using computer software due to its geometrical complexity. The study of suspension bridges consists of calculating initial element forces due to dead loads based on which the initial geometric stiffness is modified. Further, the live load analysis is done by superimposing its effects. Geometric stiffness is the most fundamental aspect of the structural behavior of suspension bridges. This study is focused on creating a step-wise framework and a tool to reduce the analysis effort required for the analysis of suspension bridges. This work involves the development of a finite element program using ‘python’ language for the study of classical suspension bridges (SB) and suspension bridges with stability cables (SBSC). The developed program is applied over multiple steps to modify the initial stiffness of the cable elements; the analysis results are verified using the deflection theory. Further, the dimensionless charts for deflection and bending moments are produced so that they are usable for any span and structural properties, which will not only support the bridge designer for preliminary analysis but also helps as an effective tool to verify their results calculated by modern computer software on the basis of taken assumptions.