• KSCE Journal of Civil and Environmental Engineering Research
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.1315-1326
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• 2013

Geometric form of a suspension bridge that uses load-sensitive cables takes on not only resisting loads but also becoming a visually sensible shillouette. This study has proposed a preliminary structural form planning for a suspension bridge following force flow by adopting the two possibilities of the graphic statics. First, the force polygon allows alternative load paths for the same loading condition. Second, a new structural form for the newly developed load path can be constructed using the reciprocal principle that exits between a structure space and the corresponding force polygon. Major structural form parameters that affect both structural and aesthetic aspecs are first identified. The relationships between structural forms and the corresponding force polygons are then investigated for the identified parameters. Upon the investigation, a stepwise process is developed for a preliminary structural form planning for a suspension bridge. The proposed structural form planning method is general that can be easily expanded to generate design alternatives of similar form-active structural systems. It is also expected that this method will be used as an educational tool to explain the interrelationships between structural forms and their force flows.