A NONLINEAR BEHAVIOUR AND STRENGTH OF STEEL TOWERS OF LONG-SPAN SUSPENSION BRIDGES SUBJECT TO DEAD AND LIVE LOADS

An ultimate strength analysis of the steel towers of the long-span suspension bridges is presented within the framework of an inelastic finite displacement theory of planar and spatial structures. The combined tower-cable system is employed to study the nonlinear effect of cables on the behaviour of huge towers. The Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge now under the first stage of construction for its seabed is selected in this study for investigations of ultimate strength behaviour of its steel towers subjected to the vertical dead and live loads. The current design practice of the Akashi towers is examined based on the present numerical results.