Multiple-span suspension bridges: state of the art

Abstract

This paper provides a state-of-the-art review of the design and construction of multiple-span suspension bridges. It starts with a brief introduction to the key issues associated with multi-span suspension bridges and then gives a historical review of this bridge form together with a list of multi-span suspension bridges constructed from 1800 to the present day. The paper looks at and compares the deflection characteristics of the classic suspension bridge with multi-span suspension bridges. The paper outlines the problems associated with this bridge form, primarily caused by increased flexibility, and the ways that they can be and have been overcome. Actual bridges where they exist (or formerly existed) are referred to and the paper also looks at some current and proposed future projects using multiple-span suspension bridges. Much of the recent work on this subject has been carried out in China, and translations of the abstracts of some recent Chinese papers are included in an appendix to the paper.