NONLINEAR AEROSTATIC STABILITY ANALYSIS OF A LONG SPAN CABLE-STAYED BRIDGE

Aerostatic instability analysis is necessary for long span cable-stayed bridges. Considering the nonlinear effects of structure and static wind load, the nonlinear aerostatic stability theory for long span bridges is applied in this paper. The incremental double iteration method is used to analyze the nonlinear aerostatic stability for long span cable-stayed bridges. The corresponding program is developed and used to analyze the cable-stayed Ting Kau Bridge at Hong Kong with a new design idea. The mechanism of its aerostatic instability is discussed and the causes for some special physical phenomena are explored through a study of the full range mechanical characteristics of Ting Kau bridge. Finally, the effects of the initial angle of incidence and cable sag on aerostatic stability of Ting Kau Bridge are discussed.