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Suspension Bridge Design Examples

Struct123ure

Structural
May 16, 2023
44
Looking to expand my knowledge, I have never designed bridges and am looking to learn. I am interested in the design and sizing of the cables that support the bridge.
Does anyone have textbooks, manuals, or resources with design examples for suspension bridges?

I have looked at the following:
Structural Steel Designer's Handbook 5ed - R Brockenbrough ->Good read, but not a single example was really looking for an example application of Table 15.6.
Cable Structures by Max Irvine(1981) -> More complicated then the above; still no examples.
Structural Analysis by R.C. Hibbeler -> Too basic, ignores cable elongation due to load, no mention of pre-tensioning.
 
If you’re interested in learning about the design of suspension bridges, particularly focusing on the cables that support them, there are several authoritative textbooks, manuals, and online resources that can provide you with comprehensive knowledge and practical examples.
  1. Bridge Engineering” by David F. Merritt This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of bridge engineering principles, including detailed sections on suspension bridges
  2. Design of Cable-Stayed Bridges” by J. A. H. van der Meer While primarily focused on cable-stayed bridges, this book offers valuable insights into cable design principles that are also applicable to suspension bridges.
  3. Structural Analysis” by Russell C. Hibbeler This widely used textbook covers fundamental concepts in structural analysis that are crucial for bridge design
  4. FHWA Bridge Design Manual The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provides a comprehensive bridge design manual that includes specific sections dedicated to suspension bridges.
  5. National Park Service: “Suspension Bridge Design” The National Park Service offers an educational resource that explains the basic principles behind suspension bridge design.
 
Also this one is free i think when you register. Smaller bridges, but the principles are the same.

 
Here's a copy of D. B. Steinman's 1929 book, still relevant.
 

Attachments

  • SuspensionBridges.pdf
    10.8 MB · Views: 8
Note that (last time I read it, which I think was the 5th edition), the B2P manual linked by Little Inch covered suspended bridges, not true suspension bridges. Still lots of good material there, but wouldn't want the difference to trip you up.
 
Thank you for your suggestions! I spent some time reviewing the new material.

I couldn't find the books on Google or Amazon though:
- Bridge Engineering by David F. Merritt
- Design of Cable-Stayed Bridges by J. A. H. van der Meer
 

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