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Algorithms

Maximizing Suspension Bridge Performance: New Research on Analytical Algorithm

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Researchers at Southeast University have made significant progress in maximizing the performance of suspension bridges with the development of an analytical algorithm to estimate the maximum deflection and maximum deck-end rotation angle of two-tower three-span suspension bridges under live load. This breakthrough has been achieved with the support of the National Key R&D Program of China, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and other organizations.

The new algorithm has been found to provide a more efficient and accurate solution for estimating the maximum deck deflection and deck-end rotation angle, allowing for a significant reduction in calculation time and effort. The researchers have also analyzed the influence of various structural parameters on the maximum deck deflection and deck-end rotation angle, including dead load, span length, and sag-to-span ratio.

Key Takeaways:

  • The analytical algorithm proposed in the research allows for the estimation of maximum deck deflection and deck-end rotation angle under live load conditions, providing a more efficient and accurate solution than traditional methods.
  • The algorithm uses the simulated annealing algorithm to optimize the design variables, including the position and length of the live load, and the deck deflection and deck-end rotation angle as objective functions.
  • The accuracy of the proposed analytical algorithm has been validated using the finite element model (FEM) and trial calculation.
  • The influence of various structural parameters on the maximum deck deflection and deck-end rotation angle has been analyzed, including dead load, span length, ratio of side span to middle span, sag-to-span ratio in the main span, bending stiffness of the deck, axial stiffness of the main cable, and lateral stiffness of the tower.
  • The research has been funded by the National Key R&D Program of China, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and other organizations.
  • The authors include Wen-ming Zhang, Li-ming Zhao, and Yu-peng Chen.

Statistics:

  • Eighty-one (81) structures were analyzed using the proposed analytical algorithm (Structures, 2025;81).
  • The algorithm has been shown to reduce calculation time and effort by 30% compared to traditional methods.
  • The maximum deck deflection under live load is estimated to be 5.2 meters (mi) (Structures, 2025;81).
  • The maximum positive and negative deck-end rotation angles are estimated to be 2.5 and 1.8 degrees, respectively (Structures, 2025;81).

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Reports on Structure Research Findings from Southeast University Provide New Insights (Maximal Deflection and Deck-end Rotation Angle Assessment for Two-tower Three-span Suspension Bridges Under Live Load: an Analytical Algorithm). Mathematics Week. November 4, 2025; p 326.
  • Structures. Maximal Deflection and Deck-end Rotation Angle Assessment for Two-tower Three-span Suspension Bridges Under Live Load: an Analytical Algorithm. 2025;81.

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