Assessment of the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge - FTP Directory ...

4.6. RemarksA detailed 3-D FE model is established for the Bill Emerson Memorial Cable-stayedBridges. The model has explicitly simulated all primary members of the complex structure.It will be refined and validated with field measured data in Section 5. Following is a briefsummary of main observations and comments on the model:1. In order to model the actual length and configuration of each cable as specified in theas-built drawings, one rigid link element is introduced in the FE model at each end of thecable. Long cables are more flexible than short cables. They all significantly influence thestiffness of the bridge system.2. The sagging of cables should be taken into account in the modeling of the cable-stayedbridge because it usually plays an important role in the dynamic response of the large-scalestructure.3 Boundary conditions in actual situations are usually complex; at the same time, theyhave significant effects on the dynamic behavior of the bridge. As such, extra attentionmust be paid to the modeling process of bearings at each pier both in the main span and inthe approach part of the bridge.51