Suspension Bridge Cable Volume Determination

by Michael Hill

Submitted : Spring 2017

Average for pylon height, deck thickness, and minimum cable height values were found for suspension bridges with a span within 100 meters to determine the mass of the structure. As the calculations are not location specific, effects of a dynamic load were ignored in determining the minimum cable radius required. Cable sag was also ignored as because considering this would also require the consideration of dynamic loads. The results were compared to that of the Golden Gate Bridge. It was found that the calculated minimum radius and volume of the cable was much lower than what was proportionately used in this bridge and displays the importance of accounting for dynamic loads for the survival of structures of this type.

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