• Wind and Structures
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.121-132
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• 2009

A systematic reliability evaluation approach for torsional divergence analysis of long span suspension bridges is proposed, consisting of the first order reliability method and a simplified torsional divergence analysis method. The proposed method was implemented in the deterministic torsional divergence analysis program SIMTDB through a new strategy involving interfacing the proposed method with SIMTDB via a freely available MATLAB software tool (FERUM). A numerical example involving a detailed computational model of a long span suspension bridge with a main span of 888 m is presented to demonstrate the applicability and merits of the proposed method and the associated software strategy. Finally, the most influential random variables on the reliability of long span suspension bridges against torsional divergence failure are identified by a sensitivity analysis.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.209-221
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• 2012

The flutter reliability analysis of long span bridges requires use of a software tool that predicts the uncertainty in a flutter response due to uncertainties in the model formulation and input parameters. Existing flutter analysis numerical codes are not capable of dealing with stochastic uncertainty in the analysis of long span bridges. The goal of the present work is to develop a software tool (FREASB) to enable designers to efficiently and accurately conduct flutter reliability analysis of long span bridges. The FREASB interfaces an open-source Matlab toolbox for structural reliability analysis (FERUM) with a typical deterministic flutter analysis code. The paper presents a brief introduction to the generalized first-order reliability method implemented in FREASB and key steps involved in coupling it with a typical deterministic flutter analysis code. A numerical example concerning flutter reliability analysis of a long span suspension bridge with a main span of 1385 m is presented to demonstrate the application and effectiveness of the methodology and the software.

• International journal of steel structures
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.1252-1264
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• 2018

Long span bridges such as steel cable stayed and suspension bridges are usually more flexible than short to medium span bridges and expected to have large deformations. Deflections due to live load for long span bridges are important since it controls the overall heights of the bridge for securing the clearance under the bridge and serviceability for securing the comfort of passengers or pedestrians. In case of sea-crossing bridges, the clearance of bridges is determined considering the height of the ship master from the surface of the water, the trim of the ship, the psychological free space, the tide height, and live load deflection. In the design of bridges, live load deflection is limited to a certain value to minimize the vibrations. However, there are not much studies that consider the live load deflection and its effects for long span bridges. The purpose of this study is to investigate the suitability of live load deflection limit and its actual effects on serviceability of bridges for steel cable-stayed and suspension bridges. Analytical study is performed to calculate the natural frequencies and deflections by design live load. Results are compared with various design limits and related studies by Barker et al. (2011) and Saadeghvaziri et al. (2012). Two long span bridges are selected for the case study, Yi Sun-Sin grand bridge (suspension bridge, main span length = 1545 m) and Young-Hung grand bridge (cable stayed bridge, main span length = 240 m). Long-term measured deflection data by GNSS system are collected from Yi Sun-Sin grand bridge and compared with the theoretical values. Probability of exceedance against various deflection limits are calculated from probability distribution of 10-min maximum deflection. The results of the study on the limitation of live load deflection are expected to be useful reference for the design, the proper planning and deflection review of the long span bridges around the world.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.209-220
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• 2011

The cable system is generally considered to be a structural solution to increase the spanning capacity of suspension bridges. In this work, based on the Runyang Bridge over the Yangtze River, three case suspension bridges with different 3D cable systems are designed, structural dynamic characteristics, the aerostatic and aerodynamic stability are investigated numerically by 3D nonlinear aerostatic and aerodynamic analysis, and the cable system favorable to improve the wind-induced instability of long-span suspension bridges is also proposed. The results show that as compared to the example bridge with parallel cable system, the suspension bridge with inward-inclined cable system has greater lateral bending and tensional frequencies, and also better aerodynamic stability; as for the suspension bridge with outward-inclined cable system, it has less lateral bending and tensional frequencies, and but better aerostatic stability; however the suspension bridge is more prone to aerodynamic instability, and therefore considering the whole wind-induced instability, the parallel and inward-inclined cable systems are both favorable for long-span suspension bridges.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.171-180
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• 2019

This paper presents a restart iterative approach for time-domain flutter analysis of long-span bridges using the commercial FE package ANSYS. This approach utilizes the recursive formats of impulse-response-function expressions for bridge's aeroelastic forces. Nonlinear dynamic equilibrium equations are iteratively solved by using the restart technique in ANSYS, which enable the equilibrium state of system to get back to last moment absolutely during iterations. The condition for the onset of flutter instability becomes that, at a certain wind velocity, the amplitude of vibration is invariant with time. A long-span suspension bridge was taken as a numerical example to verify the applicability and accuracy of the proposed method by comparing calculated results with wind tunnel tests. The proposed method enables the bridge designers and engineering practitioners to carry out time-domain flutter analysis of bridges in commercial FE package ANSYS.

• Journal of the Korean Geotechnical Society
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.57-65
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• 2013

Assessment of uncertainties of loads and resistances is prerequisite for the development of load and resistance factor design (LRFD). Many previous studies related to resistance factor calculations of piles were conducted for short or medium span bridges (span lengths less than 200m) reflecting the live load uncertainty for ordinary span bridges. In this study, by using a revised live load model and its uncertainty for long span bridges (span lengths longer than 200m and shorter than 1500m), resistance factors are recalibrated. For the estimation of nominal pile capacity (both base and shaft capacities), the Imperial College Pile (ICP) design method is used. For clayey and sandy foundation, uncertainty of resistance is assessed based on the ICP database. As long span bridges are typically considered as more important structures than short or medium span bridges, higher target reliability indices are assigned in the reliability analysis. Finally, resistance factors are calculated and proposed for the use of LRFD of driven piles for ordinary span and long span bridges.

• Structural Monitoring and Maintenance
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.233-257
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• 2016

This paper provides an overview on development of long-span bridges monitoring in Japan, with emphasis on monitoring strategies, types of monitoring system, and effective utilization of monitoring data. Because of severe environment condition such as high seismic activity and strong wind, bridge monitoring systems in Japan historically put more emphasis on structural evaluation against extreme events. Monitoring data were used to verify design assumptions, update specifications, and facilitate the efficacy of vibration control system. These were among the first objectives of instrumentation of long-span bridges in a framework of monitoring system in Japan. Later, monitoring systems were also utilized to evaluate structural performance under various environment and loading conditions, and to detect the possible structural deterioration over the age of structures. Monitoring systems are also employed as the basis of investigation and decision making for structural repair and/or retrofit when required. More recent interest has been to further extend application of monitoring to facilitate operation and maintenance, through rationalization of risk and asset management by utilizing monitoring data. The paper describes strategies and several examples of monitoring system and lessons learned from structural monitoring of long-span bridges in Japan.

• Wind and Structures
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2005

A simplified analysis able to point out the most relevant geometrical and aerodynamic parameters that can influence the flutter of long span modern bridges is the aim of the paper. With this goal, by using a continuous model of the suspension bridge and by a quasi stationary approach, a simple formula of the combined vertical/torsional flutter wind speed is given. A good agreement is obtained comparing the predictions from the proposed formula with the flutter speeds of three modern suspension or cable stayed bridges: the Great Belt East Bridge, the Akashi and Normandie bridges. The paper ends with some comments and comparisons with the well known Selberg formula.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.83-96
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• 2020

The main structural elements of historical masonry arch bridges are arches, spandrel walls, piers and foundations. The most vulnerable structural elements of masonry arch bridges under transverse seismic loads, particularly in the case of out-of-plane actions, are spandrel wall. The vulnerability of spandrel walls under transverse loads increases with the increasing of their length and height. This paper computationally investigates the out-of-plane nonlinear seismic response of spandrel walls of long-span and high masonry stone arch bridges. The Malabadi Bridge with a main arch span of 40.86m and rise of 23.45m built in 1147 in Diyarbakır, Turkey, is selected as an example. The Concrete Damage Plasticity (CDP) material model adjusted to masonry structures, and cohesive interface interaction between the infill and the spandrel walls and the arch are considered in the 3D finite element model of the selected bridge. Firstly, mode shapes with and without cohesive interfaces are evaluated, and then out-of-plane seismic failure responses of the spandrel walls with and without the cohesive interfaces are determined and compared with respect to the displacements, strains and stresses.

• Proceedings of the Computational Structural Engineering Institute Conference
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• 2002.04a
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• pp.257-264
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• 2002

This study presents a life-cycle cost (LCC) effectiveness of a concrete with lightweight aggregate. A number of researchers have made their efforts to develop a lightweight concrete, since it is difficult to apply conventional concrete using general aggregate to heavy self-weight structures such as long span bridges. In this study, an optimum design for minimizing the life-cycle cost of concrete slab bridges is performed to evaluate the life cycle cost effectiveness of the lightweight concrete relative to conventional one from the standpoint of the value engineering. The data of physical properties for new concrete can be obtained from basic experimental researches. The material properties of conventional one are acquired by various reports. This study presents a LCC effectiveness of newly developed concrete, which is made by artificial lightweight aggregate. A number of researchers have made their efforts to develop a lightweight concrete, since it is difficult to apply conventional concrete using general aggregate to heavy self-weight structures such as long span bridges. From the results of the numerical investigation, it may be positively stated that the new concrete lead to, the longer span length, the more economical slab bridges compared with structures using general concrete.