Suspended Centre Span Bridge

Desciption of Suspended Centre Span Bridge

The Suspended Centre Span Bridge model three span bridge has a flat deck and solid spandrels to the three spans. The Suspended Centre Span Bridge is supported on the two inner piers and is anchored to the two outer piers to provide a pair of cantilevers on which the suspended centre span is carried. The four piers and the centre span supports incorporate reaction measuring load cells that connect directly to the Interface to give readings in Newton’s. The Suspended Centre Span Bridge is loaded using either point loads (25 or 10N) or through a tandem rolling load of 25 + 10N value. The tandem loads are linked thus simulating a vehicle passing over the bridge deck. The tandem load can be arranged such that the 10N load is leading or trailing. By separating the tandem loads it is possible to obtain the influence lines for the bridge.

Experimental Capabilities of Suspended Centre Span Bridge

1. Production of influence lines for all six reactions
2. Use of the influence lines for a tandem rolling load

Specification of Suspended Centre Span Bridge

1. A three (3) span bridge encounters interactive loading when a point or rolling load crosses the deck: equilibrium is maintained
2. Apparatus consists of a solid spandrel, suspended centre span bridge of length approx 1.1m, with a horizontal deck.
3. Four reaction piers and two supports of the central span (measurement with 0.1N resolution over a range of ± 100 N)
4. A two-part rolling load supplied (25N & 10N) to simulate vehicle passing over bridge deck
5. Comprehensive technical manual for student and lecturer and text book provided
6. Must be used with universal Frame and Stand
7. Must be used with Interface