Abstract

The structural stiffness of suspension bridge is relatively low compared to other bridge types.

Applying this type of bridge to the long-span railway bridges is a big challenge as railway bridges

are more sensitive to girder deflection and rotation. Several key technical problems should be well

dealt with before applying this type of bridge to railway bridges. In this paper, the wind and

seismic resistance, structural stiffness, rotation angles at the end of girder, train and bridge

coupling vibration effect as well as geometric shape and position of track of the railway

suspension bridge are addressed briefly. Several recommendations are made based on the design

and construction experience of the railway suspension bridges in China. The recommendations

are: (1) The diameter of the main cables should be no greater than 1.3 m. (2) the mechanical

mechanism of the towers and anchorages of the railway suspension bridges is the same with that

of the highway suspension bridges and the towers and anchorages should be designed in

accordance with the codes. (3) The fatigue stress ranges of the stiffening girders of the railway

suspension bridges are normally great and the fatigue design of the girders should be well dealt

with. (4) The wind and seismic resistance calculation should satisfy the relevant requirements in

the codes and when necessary, the wind tunnel tests should be carried out and the dampers

should be equipped with to resist the wind and earthquake action. (5) The structural stiffness can

be referred to the criteria as proposed in this paper and the rotation angles at the end of girder

should satisfy the requirements in the codes. (6) The train and bridge coupling vibration analysis

should be carried out to ensure the geometric shape and position of track satisfy the smoothness

requirements for the tracks.

Keywords: suspension bridge; railway bridge; structural force condition; wind resistance; seismic

resistance; structural stiffness; train and bridge coupling; geometric shape and position; feasibility

analysis.