Preliminary static analysis of self-anchored suspension bridges

The dimensionless form of the deflection theory of self-anchored suspension bridges was derived, and a concept of composite axial stiffness coefficient of stiffening girders was introduced. This paper derived dimensionless equations of the deflection theory of self-anchored suspension bridges and redefined λ2 so that it can include the effect caused by the axial compression of the stiffening girder. And the composite axial deformation stiffness was introduced into the dimensionless parameters of self-anchored suspension bridges. It can be seen α2 is larger than that of earth anchored suspension bridges and λ2 smaller. Moreover α2 ranges from 0.06 to 0.80 and λ2 from 180 to 800 for self-anchored suspension bridges with a small span, when the vertical stiffness of the deck has a great influence on the displacement and bending moment.