Construction monitoring and load testing of a pedestrian suspension bridge in China

Abstract

A comprehensive programme of construction monitoring and load testing was carried out on the recently completed Dongxing Temple pedestrian suspension bridge in China. Construction monitoring showed that the maximum stresses and displacements of the structure were minimal, confirming the accuracy of the design, specification and construction. A load test using water tanks showed that maximum stresses, strains and displacements were lower than design values, confirming the bridge’s elastic behaviour and better-than-expected stiffness. A dynamic test found that the completed bridge’s natural frequency of 0.81 Hz was higher than the design value of 0.53 Hz, confirming its structural integrity as well as its improved stiffness. The monitoring test programme could serve as a useful reference for design and construction of future pedestrian suspension bridges.