SOLUTION OF MAIN CABLE SHAPE EQUATIONS OF A SUSPENSION BRIDGE AND ITS APPLICATION

Analytic parameter equations for the main cable curve of a suspension bridge are derived. Calculation models taking into account the influence of its elastic elongation due to its weight and neglecting the elongation are established. A set of non-linear equations result after incorporating boundary conditions. The equations are solved with quasi-Newton method. A formula is derived for the main cable length of a suspension bridge in free stress or stressed state with integration method. The calculation result shows that the two calculation models enjoy rapid convergence and high precision, and are applicable to the design and construction control of suspension bridges.