Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2025

Simulation of Human-induced Vibrations Based on the Characterized In-field Pedestrian Behavior
Published on: April 13, 2016
Study on dynamic response analysis of a long-span and asymmetrical suspension bridge subjected to uniform and
1Chengdu Jincheng College, Chengdu, China.
Abstract:
This study investigates the dynamic response of large-span asymmetric suspension bridges under spatially varying seismic motion, focusing on a representative bridge in Yunnan, China. A 3D finite-element model of the bridge was created using SAP2000, accounting for the sag effect of main cables and pile-soil interaction. The material nonlinearity was incorporated through plastic hinges, with critical parameters derived from XTRACT software. Based on nonlinear time history analysis under spatially varying seismic motion, the effects of spatial variability and material nonlinearity on key structural responses (shear force, bending moment, and displacement) were systematically investigated. The results indicate that considering the traveling wave effect and material nonlinearity will increase the foundation shear force and bending moment values. Under multipoint excitation, the peak longitudinal and mid-span vertical displacements are approximately 1.61 times and 1.64 times higher than those without considering the traveling wave effect and material nonlinearity, respectively. Moreover, the axial force of the suspension rod is significantly increased due to the influence of high-order modes of the bridge structure. Material nonlinearity at the tower base reduces displacement response. Neglecting these factors would underestimate earthquake effects. These findings are valuable for the design and engineering of large-span asymmetric suspension bridges.
Related Concept Videos
Cable Subjected to a Distributed Load
Static Equilibrium - II
Indeterminate Structure
Elastic Curve from the Load Distribution
For all beams, the analysis of the beam's reaction to distributed loads begins by understanding the relationship between a beam's load and the resulting shear forces and bending moments.
Resultant of a General Distributed Loading
Examples such as load distribution due to wind and load distribution on a bridge illustrate how this concept is used to analyze and design safe, reliable structures under variable loading conditions. Most structures, such as residential buildings, bridges, and towers, are...
Eccentric Axial Loading in a Plane of Symmetry

