Dynamic response of cable-stayed bridges to moving vehicles using the structural impedance method

The importance of dynamic interactions between cable-stayed bridges and heavy moving vehicles, such as trucks and locomotives, has been recognised by bridge engineers for a long time. A structural impedance algorithm is developed for analysing the dynamic response of cable-stayed bridges subjected to traversing vehicles. The bridge deck is modelled as an elastic plate and the cables are idealised as springs for simplicity. The vehicles are modelled as a series of masses with suspension systems moving with different speeds and accelerations. A comprehensive computer program, CABLESIM, is developed for the static and dynamic analyses of a cable-stayed bridge. The accuracy of the numerical procedure and its computer implementation is verified with the available analytical and experimental results. A parametric study is conducted to investigate the effects of vehicle velocity girder depth, different types of cable arrangements, and traffic load on the dynamic response of the deck. The numerical results are expected to be important in assessing the dynamics of cable-stayed bridge components and in determining the safety and allowable traffic conditions. (C) 1996 by Elsevier Science Inc.