Oscillations of Bridge Stay Cables Induced by Periodic Motions of Deck and or Towers

• Published in: Journal of engineering mechanics Vol. 122; no. 7; pp. 613 - 622
• Main Authors: Costa, A. Pinto da, Martins, J. A. C, Branco, F, Lilien, J. L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Reston, VA American Society of Civil Engineers 01-07-1996
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Buildings. Public works; Exact sciences and technology; Stresses. Safety; Structural analysis. Stresses; TECHNICAL PAPERS; Dynamic response; Theoretical model; Non linear model; Oscillations; Laboratory test; Periodic motion; Bridge decks; Tower (building); Anchoring; Cable stayed bridges; Structural analysis; Cables
• ISSN: 0733-9399; 1943-7889
• DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)0733-9399(1996)122:7(613)

This paper deals with the oscillations of bridge stay cables that may be excited by wind or by traffic-induced periodic motions of the deck and or towers. A theoretical model is developed for the study of nonlinear oscillations in inclined stay cables as a result of small anchorage motions. Laboratory tests are performed to check the validity of the model in some particular situations. Approximate analytic formulas and numerical solutions are obtained for the cable transverse displacements and the corresponding axial force oscillations. The behavior of inclined stay cables is interpreted by comparison with similar horizontal or vertical cables subjected to appropriate components of the excitation. It is shown that reasonably small anchorage amplitudes may lead to important cable oscillations when conditions are met for lower-order classical or parametric resonance of the cables.