STRESS ANALYSIS ON STEEL BOX GIRDERS OF SUPER-LONG-SPAN SUSPENSION BRIDGES WITH SUBMODEL METHOD

A 3-dimensional, Finite Element, full model for the Runyang Suspension Bridge, the longest bridge in China was established and analyzed. The submodel of the steel box girder was then particularly established based on the analyzed results considering the connection of the two models. The local stresses of the steel box girder under various load conditions were calculated with the submodel. The calculation stress values were found to be reliable by comparing with the field measurements and the submodel method was proved to be effective on analyzing the stress levels and distributions of steel box girders of super-long-span suspension bridges. Finally the working behaviors and mechanical characteristics of the steel box girder of the Runyang Suspension Bridge were analyzed. The analysis results could provide theoretical references for analyzing the steel box girders of super-long-span suspension bridges.