Advanced Continuum Model for Dynamic Analysis of Suspension Bridges

Abstract

This paper proposes an advanced continuum model for dynamic analysis of suspension bridges with extensible hangers and various girder continuity conditions. The coupled differential equations for the vertical deflections of the main cable and girder are presented. The Galerkin’s method is used to obtain the equations of motion in the matrix form for various girder continuity conditions. To validate the model proposed in this study, free vibration analyses are performed with an example model. The natural frequencies and mode shapes obtained by the proposed model are compared with those from the finite element model.