Free Lateral Vibrations of Suspension Bridges

A method is developed based on a linearized theory and the finite-element method. The method involves two distinct steps: (1)Specification of the potential and kinetic energies of the bridge, (2)use of finite element technique to: (a)discretize the structure into equivalent systems of finite elements; (b)select the displacement model most closely approximating the real case; (c)derive the element and assemblage stiffness and inertia properties; and finally (d)form the matrix equations of motion and the resulting eigenproblems. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the applicability of the analysis and to investigate the dynamic characteristics of laterally vibrating suspension bridges. This method eliminates the need to solve transcendental frequency equations, simplifies the determination of the energy stored in different members of the bridge, and represents a simple, fast, and accurate tool for calculating the natural frequencies and modes of lateral vibration by means of a digital computer.