Main Cables Research Articles

Key Design and Dehumidification Effect Testing of a New Dry Air Protection System for Main Cables

Key Design and Dehumidification Effect Testing of a New Dry Air Protection System for Main Cables

Hydrodynamic response characteristics of curved shape trash intercepting net under wave–current combined conditions

Under the influence of waves and ocean currents, the mesh panels of trash nets at nuclear power plants exhibit a curved shape. The combined action of waves and currents creates a Doppler effect that significantly influences the hydrodynamic response of these nets. This paper used OpenFOAM to establish a porous media macroscopic computational fluid dynamics model for analyzing the forces on curved trash nets. Wave–current combined conditions were simulated by introducing a uniform current in the direction of wave propagation. Forces on the nets under wave–current combined conditions were analyzed and compared with forces under separate uniform current and wave conditions. The results indicate that wave run-up on the nets is more significant under wave–current combined conditions than under wave action alone. The dimensionless horizontal force decreases more rapidly with increasing wave steepness (kA) and wave number (kd) under combined conditions than with linear superposition. Specifically, the rate of increase in dimensionless horizontal force with current speed, at the same blockage ratio, is about twice that of linear superposition. Additionally, the tension in the main cable of the nets is 17% higher under combined conditions than with linear superposition.

Effectiveness of partial restriction of access to means in jumping suicide: lessons from four bridges in three countries.

Restricting access to means by installing physical barriers has been shown to be the most effective intervention in preventing jumping suicides on bridges. However, little is known about the effectiveness of partial restriction with interventions that still allow jumping from the bridge. This study used a quasi-experimental design. Public sites that met our inclusion criteria were identified using Google search and data on jumping suicides on Bridge A (South Korea), Bridges B and C (the United States) and Bridge D (Canada) were obtained from the relevant datasets. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated using Poisson regressions comparing suicide numbers before and after the installation of physical structures at each site. Fences with sensor wires and spinning handrails installed above existing railings on the Bridge A, and fences at each side of the entrances and the midpoint of main suspension cables on the Bridge D were associated with significant reductions in suicides (IRR 0.37, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.26-0.54; 0.26, 95% CI 0.09-0.76). Installation of bird spike on the parapet on the Bridge B, and fences at the front of seating alcoves on the Bridge C were not associated with changes in suicides (1.21, 95% CI 0.88-1.68; 1.49, 95% CI 0.56-3.98). Partial means restriction (such as fences with sensor wires and spinning bars at the top, and partial fencing at selected points) on bridges appears to be helpful in preventing suicide. Although these interventions are unlikely to be as effective as interventions that fully secure the bridge and completely prevent jumping, they might best be thought of as temporary solutions before more complete or permanent structures are implemented.

Analytical solutions for static longitudinal displacements of suspension bridges under a moving vertical concentrated load

The longitudinal displacement at the girder ends of long-span suspension bridges is a crucial issue that affects structural safety, durability, as well as traffic safety and ride comfort. The primary cause of these reciprocating displacements is the action of moving live loads, which induces quasi-static displacements in the longitudinal direction. This paper theoretically investigates the static longitudinal displacements of suspension bridges under a moving vertical concentrated load and elucidates the underlying deformation mechanisms. Considering geometrical nonlinearity, analytical equations are established for the longitudinal deformations of the main cable and stiffening girder under a vertical concentrated load. By analyzing the geometrical deformation conditions of the suspenders, the relationship between the longitudinal displacements of the stiffening girder and the main cable is derived. Due to the coupling between longitudinal and vertical displacements, the vertical displacement of the stiffening girder must be solved to obtain its longitudinal displacement. Based on deflection theory and considering the bending stiffness of the stiffening girder, this paper derives the vertical deformations of the stiffening girder for single-span suspension bridges and those with short continuous side spans under a vertical concentrated load, which is then used to calculate the longitudinal displacement. Finite element models are used to verify the accuracy of the analytical solutions. Differences between the proposed solutions and previous solutions neglecting the bending stiffness of the stiffening girder are compared and analyzed. The effects of neglecting the longitudinal displacement at the bridge tower top and the presence of short continuous side spans on the longitudinal displacement of stiffening girder are also investigated. The results demonstrate the high accuracy of the proposed analytical solution for the longitudinal displacement at the girder ends of suspension bridges. Importantly, the bending stiffness of the stiffening girder cannot be neglected in calculating the longitudinal displacement. The longitudinal displacement at the girder ends is primarily caused by the longitudinal deformation of the main cable, while the contribution from the flexural deformation of the girder is negligible. Furthermore, the longitudinal displacement at the bridge tower top has a negligible effect on the longitudinal displacement of the girder, and the presence of short continuous side spans is beneficial for reducing the longitudinal displacement of the stiffening girder. The proposed analytical solution method provides a rapid approach for calculating the static longitudinal displacement at the girder ends of suspension bridges under passing live loads and reveals the deformation mechanism. This is beneficial for preliminary design and structural optimization, as it avoids the complex finite element modeling and solution process.

Research on Influencing Factors of Cable Clamp Bolt Elastic Interaction in Cross-Ocean Suspension Bridges

Suspension bridges are the most common type of bridge used to cross the ocean. The cable clamps in suspension bridges clamp the main cables by bolt preload, but the elastic interaction of the bolts reduces the preload, which is detrimental to the force in suspension bridges. However, research on the factors influencing the elastic interaction of cable clamp bolts in suspension bridges is currently limited. This paper aims to explore the law of influence of external factors on the elastic interaction of bolts through a combined approach of theoretical analysis, full-scale experiment, and finite element simulation. The results indicate that the average preload loss was reduced by about 27% when the elastic modulus was increased by about 110%. The average preload loss was reduced by about 45% when the bolt center distance was increased by 75%. The number of bolts has a small effect on the elastic interaction, which can be ignored. When the preload of bolt installation was increased by 133%, the average preload loss was reduced by approximately 125%, which was almost a linear relationship. Tightening the bolt from the center bolt creates greater elastic interaction. The conclusions can provide suggestions for reducing the elastic interaction of bolts in the design and construction of suspension bridge cable clamps.

Laying of the main cables of the SCB with AC electric current

Laying of the main cables of the SCB with AC electric current

Finite Element Modeling and Calibration of a Three-Span Continuous Suspension Bridge Based on Loop Adjustment and Temperature Correction.

Precise finite element modeling is critically important for the construction and maintenance of long-span suspension bridges. During the process of modeling, shape-finding and model calibration directly impact the accuracy and reliability. Scholars have provided numerous alternative proposals for the shape-finding of main cables in suspension bridges from both theoretical and finite element analysis perspectives. However, it is difficult to apply these solutions to suspension bridges with special components. Seeking a viable solution for such suspension bridges holds practical significance. The Nanjing Qixiashan Yangtze River Bridge is the first three-span suspension bridge in China. To maintain the configuration of the main cable, the suspension bridge is equipped with specialized suspenders near the anchors, referred to as displacement-limiting suspenders. It is the first suspension bridge in China to use displacement-limiting suspenders and their anchorage system. Taking the suspension bridge as a research background, this paper introduces a refined finite element modeling approach considering the effect of geometric nonlinearity. Firstly, based on the loop adjustment and temperature correction, the shape-finding and force assessment of the main cables are carried out. On this basis, a nonlinear finite element model of the bridge was established and calibrated, taking into account factors such as pylon settlement and cable saddle precession. Finally, the static and dynamic characteristics of the suspension bridge were thoroughly investigated. This study aims to provide a reference for the design, construction and operation of the three-span continuous suspension bridge.

Explainable ensemble learning framework for estimating corrosion rate in suspension bridge main cables

Ensuring the safe operation of suspension bridges is paramount to prevent unwanted events that can cause failures. Therefore, it is crucial to continuously monitor their operational status to uphold safety and reliability levels. However, natural deterioration caused by the surrounding environment, primarily due to corrosion, inevitably impacts these structures over time, particularly the main cables made of steel. In this study, a robust framework is proposed to predict the annual corrosion rate in main cables of suspension bridges, while investigating the impact of the surrounding environmental factors on this process. To do so, the implementation of four regression models and four machine learning techniques are used in the first phase for modeling the annual corrosion rate based on a comprehensive database containing various environmental factors. The modeling performance is evaluated through a range of statistical and graphical metrics. After that, Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) is utilized to explain the model and to extract the impact of each variable on the final modeling results. Overall, the findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework for addressing this issue. The Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) emerged as the top-performing model, achieving an overall R2 of 0.982. Moreover, the SHAP findings highlight the impact of CL− on the annual corrosion rate as the factor with the highest influence during the modeling process. The high performance of the proposed model suggests its potential utility in further research concerning the reliability of suspension bridge main cables.

Research on methods for controlling strand sag in main cables

The accuracy of main cable construction in suspension bridges is directly influenced by the sag of the strands during the erection process. Thus, effective methods for controlling strand sag are crucial. However, the current control standards and methods are primarily based on practical engineering experience, lacking quantitative analysis and a sufficient basis. This paper aims to address this gap by summarizing four commonly used strand sag control methods and proposing a quantitative analysis model that considers the influence of random factors. The model quantifies the impact of these methods on the main cable shape and strand tension after cable tightening. To illustrate the practical application, a suspension bridge is utilized as a case study. The results of the study illustrate a linear relationship between the main cable sag and inter-strand distance, with each control method exhibiting a varying linear change rate. Moreover, the discrepancy in strand distance contributes to uneven strand tension after cable tightening. Random errors contribute to the dispersion of the main cable sag and strand tension, which are further exacerbated by cumulative errors between layers of general strands. Based on the study’s results, this paper provides valuable references for the erection and control of the main cable in suspension bridges.

Research on Long-span Bridge Point Cloud Morphology Identification

With the rapid development of 3D laser scanning technology and the trend of accurate and convenient acquisition of 3D point cloud data, the 3D point cloud data that was challenging to acquire in the past has also become one of the main ways to represent the 3D form of bridges. Among several bridge types, suspension bridges have high research value due to their widespread use in long-span bridges. The main cable, as the main load-bearing member of the suspension bridge, exhibits characteristics such as a large span, heavy components, and numerous influencing factors in long-span bridges. Thus, controlling the formation of the main cables is a problem frequently encountered in bridge engineering. Using 3D point cloud scanning data, this paper constructs an overall 3D point cloud model of the bridge and proposes an automatic extraction algorithm for bridge components based on this model. Subsequently, the paper illustrates the integration of the algorithm analysis and control of user interaction platform building, aiming to build up long span bridge digital base, therefore realizing variation recognition and digital tracking of long bridge space form.

Assessment of maximum and minimum hanger forces in a triple-cable suspension bridge under live load: Analytical algorithm with manta ray foraging optimization

Triple-cable suspension bridges (TCSBs) are widely used in sea-crossing, island-linking projects with extra-long spans and ultra-wide decks. Their safe operation requires sufficient resistance of all bridge components (towers, cables, girders, and hangers) to static/dead and cyclic/live loads. Therefore, reliable assessment of maximum and minimum axial forces acting on each hanger is topical. This study proposes an analytical algorithm for assessing the internal forces and deformations of a TCSB. Specific steps and formulae for solving the coefficients are described by taking the estimation of girder response under random eccentric line loading as an example. Parameters of the suspension bridge under dead load are treated as known quantities. Actual engineering scenarios, including girder displacements along the bridge, are analyzed and discussed in detail. Basic unknown quantities are determined via governing equations under conditions of elevation differences’ closure and conservation of main cables’ unstressed lengths, yielding direct solutions for deformations of the main cables, girder, towers, and hangers. The proposed analytical model’s feasibility is verified via the finite element method. Optimal solutions to the above equations are derived by the manta ray foraging optimization (MRFO) algorithm to find the most unfavorable load distributions for all vehicle lanes of the bridge and the maximum and minimum axial forces of random hangers. Finally, the proposed method is successfully applied to a TCSB with a 1600 m main span under two operating conditions. The most unfavorable load distributions and the maximum and minimum axial forces of hangers at the mid-span and at the quarter-span point are estimated. The calculation results are compared against those obtained by the influence surface method, showing their good correlation and superiority of the proposed method in computation workload.

Fatigue Damage Analysis of Steel Truss Suspension Bridge Under Non-Stationary and Non-Gaussian Buffeting

The wind field environment in mountainous zones is complex. If the wind field characteristics are regarded as stationary and Gaussian, the inaccurate response results of the structure will be obtained. In this paper, a fatigue evaluation method of steel truss suspension bridge members under non-stationary and non-Gaussian buffeting is proposed. This approach can solve the fatigue evaluation problem of steel truss suspension bridge members under mountain wind. Firstly, the normal wind speed (stationary and Gaussian) is obtained by the harmonic wave synthesis method. The wind speed considering non-stationary characteristics is obtained by adopting time-varying power spectrum. Secondly, through non-linear translation, the wind speed considering non-stationary characteristics is transformed into wind speed considering both non-Gaussian and non-stationary characteristics. Finally, combined with the Palmgren–Miner rule, the effects of three different buffeting responses on fatigue damage of suspension bridge members are studied. They are traditional buffeting response, buffeting response considering non-stationary characteristics and buffeting response considering both non-stationary and non-Gaussian characteristics. The results indicate that the fatigue damage of the main cable of the suspension bridge is the biggest at the mid-span. Under the same wind speed, considering two characteristics, the component fatigue damage will further increase.

Estimation of Early Corrosion Mechanism on the Upper Surface of Wire Ropes in Suspension Bridges

This study is focused on the heterogeneous corrosion phenomenon of the general segment of suspension bridge main cables in mountainous/plain areas, specifically focusing on the uppermost surface. The primary objective of this research is to elucidate the corrosion mechanism by investigating the corrosion environment and performing corrosion acceleration tests using simulated ropes. Consequently, it has been revealed that during the summer season, the surface temperature of the rope reaches approximately 65°C, corresponding to the zenith of zinc corrosion rates. Moreover, in the upper surface of the rope, which is particularly susceptible to the influence of solar radiation, it has been disclosed that condensation occurs as a non-rainfall-related factor, creating an environment conducive to condensation. These factors suggest that the moisture supplied to the upper surface and the residue of corrosive elements exert an influence on the skewed corrosion mechanism of the rope surface.

Coupled Vibration Analysis of Multi-Span Continuous Cable Structure Considering Frictional Slip

As important load-bearing structures, suspension cables have been widely used in suspension bridges, engineering ropeways, cable suspension systems and other special equipment. Their dynamic problems have always been a research hotspot. Especially for complex cable systems such as engineering ropeways and cable lifting equipment, there will be moving loads acting on multi-span continuous friction-slip cable structures, resulting in nonlinear coupled vibration. Therefore, few scholars have studied how to calculate the nonlinear coupling vibration effect between such moving loads and multi-span continuous cables considering friction slip. Therefore, this paper proposes the use of the combination of the direct stiffness method and the Newmark-β integration method to solve the nonlinear system of equations of motion, which can be derived from the coupled vibration response between the moving load and the main cable. The corresponding calculation program is prepared. Combined with the dynamic load test and simulation results of engineering cases, the correctness and reasonableness of the coupled vibration equations and the program can be verified through comparative analysis. The results show that the calculation results of the self-programmed program are in good agreement with the dynamic load test results, in which the maximum error of the vertical displacement in the span is −4.40% and 0.86%, and the error of the static calculation reaches −13.90%. The impact effect is more obvious when hoisting the weight out of the pulling cable, in which the impact coefficient of the main cable can be up to 2.0. The impact coefficient of the deviation of the cable tower is 4.0. During the traveling process of the moving load, the vertical downward deflection of the main cable at the action point is the largest, and the upward deflection is in the region of 0.2~0.8L from the action point.

PROBLEMS OF WEAR OF THE CHAINS USED IN MINE SCRAPER CONVEYORS, CAUSED BY FRICTION AND CORROSION

Scraper chains are the main transport cables of scraper conveyors. Problems related to the processes of destruction of link chains used in these conveyors are described. Design of scraper chains and their division into different types for use in scraper conveyors are presented. The most common damages to chains used in scraper conveyors are presented and the reasons of their wear are discussed.

Optimization of Prestressed Anchor Cable Layout for Left Pier of Jinchuan Hydropower Station

With the increase of the flood discharge capacity of the flood discharge structure, the size of the flood discharge orifice is widened, which leads to the increasing thrust of the radial gate. A large tensile stress zone will be formed at the connection between the anchor block and the pier, which may lead to concrete cracking. The optimization design of the prestressed anchor cable of the pier has always been a concern of the engineering community. In this paper, the left pier of Jinchuan Hydropower Station is taken as the research object, and the finite element simulation model is established. The layout position of prestressed anchor cable is optimized, and different layout schemes of prestressed anchor cable on the left pier are designed and calculated. The results show that when the amount of main anchor cable is the same, it should be arranged outside the pier as far as possible; under the condition that the number of main anchor cables on the inner side of the pier is constant, when the direction of the main anchor cable force is consistent with the direction of the radial gate thrust, the main anchor cable prestress plays the greatest role; the arrangement of balance cable has no obvious effect on the tension of concrete at pier neck. It can provide reference for structural design.

FE Analysis of Suspension Bridges Based on Extended Deflection Theories with Extensible Hangers and Floating Girders

This paper presents extended deflection theories of multi-span continuous suspension bridges and their FE formulations using the energy method. The proposed deflection theories take into account effects of hanger extensibility, free sliding of main cables at the saddle, and floating girders. Suspension bridge elements consisting of main girder, main cable, and tower elements are then introduced and simplified FE formulations are rigorously proposed to solve the extended deflection theories. In order to demonstrate the validity and accuracy of the presented formulation, three/four-span suspension bridge models having regular and floating support conditions of the main girder are analyzed using the simplified FEMs, and the analysis results are compared with those by the unstrained length method, which is a sophisticated FEM. Finally, three virtual earth-anchored suspension bridge models are analyzed to explore the effects of hanger extensibility.

DPIM-based global reliability analysis method for the cable-stayed bridges and the determination of global target reliability index

This study presents an approach to analyzing the dynamic global reliability of cable-stayed bridges using the direct probability integral method. The analysis considers the degradation of resistance in the concrete main beam, tower, and cables, as well as the time-varying nature of the load effect. Six types of limit state functions for failure modes are established, including bending failure of the beam, static torsional failure of the beam, wind vibration failure of the beam, transverse buckling failure of the tower, longitudinal strength failure of the tower, and strength failure of the stay cable due to fretting fatigue and corrosion. A time-dependent extreme value mapping is constructed in the time domain, then the joint probability density integral equation of time-varying extreme value mapping of multiple performance functions is established. According to the mean and variance of random variables in the evaluation reference period, the direct probability integral method with Heaviside function (DPIM-H) is employed to solve the equation, and the dynamic global reliability index of cable-stayed bridge is obtained. As an example, the Brotonne cable-stayed bridge’s global reliability is analyzed, and the reasonable value of the global target reliability index is studied considering the structural performance degradation.

Numerical modeling and fatigue analysis of the dynamic response of main pump cable in nuclear power plant

Abstract The structural temperature rise and thermal stress caused by operation current and ambient temperature are some of the main factors affecting cable fatigue life. Combined with the operating and environmental conditions of the main cooling pump of the nuclear power plant, the thermal-structural coupling field numerical modeling and fatigue analysis of the 6kV single-core and three-core cable of the main pump is carried out. Based on obtaining the steady-state operating current, the motor start-up transient current, and the circulating ambient temperature, the thermal-structural coupling field numerical model of the main pump cable is established using the load transfer method to obtain the thermal and stress field distribution of the internal structural layer. The load history of one cycle is extracted for the fatigue numerical simulation of the main pump cable. The stress time history of the cable structure layer was constructed by the stress calculation results and the load time history of a single period, and the fatigue life of the main pump cable was obtained based on the S-N curve of the main insulation material and the Miner’s linear cumulative damage theory. The simulation results show that the force acting on the main pump cable by the operating current and ambient temperature is an approximately symmetric cyclic load of constant amplitude. The life cycle of the cable can reach 2.235*e4 times, and the overall life of the cable is about 63.97 years. This study can provide theoretical guidance for the safety and reliability design and state operation and maintenance of the main pump cable of the nuclear power plant.

Stress stateofa composite tractive element with cable rigidity variable over length considering bending on a drum with curved generatrix

Purpose. Establishment of dependencies for parameters of a stress-strain state of a composite tractive element taking into account bending of a rope with cable rigidity variable over length on a drum with a curved generatrix. Research methodology. Development of a method for calculating the influence of a complex of factors on a stress-strain state of a rope by constructing and solving a model of a stress-strain state of a composite tractive element with cable tensile rigidity variable over length, cable base breakages and a non-cylindrical drum shape, using the methods of mechanics of layered composite materials with soft and hard layers. Findings. Analytical dependencies are obtained in a closed form and allow determining the maximum quantitative indicators of a stress-strain state of a rope of a combined structure with a broken cable, rigidity different from the main cables and variable along rope length in a straight rope part and in a part of interaction with a curved drum of a hoisting machine. Analytical dependencies are established for determining the maximum angles of rubber shear between cables, which allows determining the dangerous tangential stresses in a tractive element for cases of flat rope tension, rope bending on a convex drum, and bending on a convex drum of a rope with cables of reduced tensile rigidity. The results of solving the problem of determining the distribution of forces in a rope with cables of different rigidity by the developed method absolutely coincide with the only possible distribution of forces in a sample of three cables, which allows considering the developed algorithm reliable to describe the mechanism of redistribution of forces between cables with different tensile rigidity, including in the event of cable breakage, and the obtained results are reliable. Scientific novelty. A method of calculating the influence of a complex of factors on a stress-strain state of a rope is developed. The dependencies of parameters of a stress-strain state of a composite tractive element are established, taking into account rope bending, which has cable base breakages and cable rigidity variable over length, on a drum with a curved generatrix. Practical significance. A method for determining the indicators of a stress-strain state of a composite tractive element, which has cable base breakages and cable rigidity variable over length, including for bending on a non-cylindrical drum, is developed. This makes it possible to increase the operational safety of a composite tractive element in hoisting and transporting machines, in particular at significant hoisting heights, and also contributes to justifying the use of a rope design as a stay rope in capital structures.