This paper presents a method of reduced stiffness coupled with step increments to simulate the nonlinear problem that occurs when a material is in the elasto-plastic stage. A set of equations was developed and used to analyze the ultimate load-bearing capacity and the failure process of a self-anchored suspension bridge. Also investigated here were the effects on the load-bearing capacity due to variations in the strength and stiffness of the four substructures and due to broken hangers. The results showed that variations in the material strength and the structural stiffness of the substructures can lead to different degrees of influence on the ultimate load-bearing capacity of the self-anchored suspension bridge. Further, broken hangers have a significant effect on the ultimate load-bearing capacity and can lead to the collapse of the suspension bridge under its own weight when many are broken at the same time.
Relation:
Journal of Marine Science and Technology=海洋學刊 20(1), pp.18-25
