Improved Shape-Finding Method and Parametric Study for Designing Asymmetric Suspension Bridges in Mountainous Terrain

The suspension bridges in mountainous areas are commonly designed with asymmetrical overall layouts to match the terrain and construction under limited space. However, effects influences of asymmetry parameters on bridge performance have yet be thoroughly investigated. To address this gap, based a real-world main span length 700 m, paper first presents an improved shape-finding method that can fully consider components hanger forces each step. In iterative process, shape cable is determined equilibrium equations, calculated through nonlinear finite element analysis. After deciding bridge’s initial state, parameters’ carefully investigated analysis static seismic conditions. Results show side-to-span ratio tower’s stiffness affect horizontally constrained stiffness, resulting distinct behavior. Moreover, reasonably designing dampers between tower girder beneficial minimizing longitudinal displacement controlling moment situations.