Experimental Investigation of a Rapid Calculation and Damage Diagnosis of the Quasistatic Influence Line of a Self-Anchored Suspension Bridge Based on Deflection Theory

Based on deflection theory, the basic differential equations and deformation compatibility equations of self-anchored suspension bridges are established. The calculation formula for the stiffening girder deflection of a three-span self-anchored suspension bridge is derived, and the validity of the formula is confirmed through an example. In addition, a fast calculation method for the theoretical deflection influence line is proposed by using the deflection calculation formula, and a calculation method for the actual deflection influence line is founded on the concept of time and space coordinate transformation. By loading the bridge with a load car and using real-time monitoring of the displacement response of the bridge test section, combined with the proposed intelligent damage evaluation program, the abnormal situation of the damage of the three-span self-anchored suspension bridge can be quickly and accurately identified. The research results of this paper can provide flexible, economical, and effective guidance for detecting the capacity of real bridges.