Analysis for the optimal location of cable damping systems on stayed bridges

• Published in: Nonlinear dynamics 2008-06, Vol.52 (4), p.347-359
• Main Authors: Cárdenas, Roberto Alvarado, Viramontes, Francisco Javier Carrión, González, Aurelio Domínguez, Ruiz, Gilberto Herrera
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Automotive Engineering; Bridge failure; Cable-stayed bridges; Classical Mechanics; Computer simulation; Control; Crack propagation; Dampers; Damping; Dynamical Systems; Engineering; Fatigue failure; Feasibility studies; Highway bridges; Life prediction; Mechanical Engineering; Original Paper; Simulation; Structural damage; Three dimensional models; Vibration; Weighting functions; Wind effects
• ISSN: 0924-090X; 1573-269X
• DOI: 10.1007/s11071-007-9283-5

Computational models are increasingly being used for the dynamic analysis of structures with nonlinear or uncertain behavior, such as cables in stayed bridges, which nowadays are progressively more used as an alternative for long span and slim structures. In this work, a 3D nonlinear model is described to evaluate the wind dynamic effects on cables for this type of bridges under different scenarios, but also for health monitoring and structural simulation to guarantee performance, evaluate load capacity and estimate life prediction. Fatigue is one of the most relevant and complex failure causes in highway bridges, particularly on the anchorage elements of the cables in stayed bridges; where dampers may be used to minimize the dynamic behavior of the structure and reduce fatigue damage. With this nonlinear simulation model, different damper locations and configurations are evaluated to find the optimal position. A feasibility function is used as a weighting function to take into account the damper’s size and design. Analysis is particularly focused for a real cable stayed bridge in the state of Veracruz in México. Although the geometry, the forces and the stresses on cable structures are a challenge, even for structural specialists, the results from this work using the proposed 3D nonlinear model showed to be accurate for the simulation of many different wind scenarios, and damper’s location and orientations. Finally, the feasibility weighting function enabled the geometrical limitations to estimate the best location of a damper system to minimize the risk for fatigue failure.