Abstract:
This paper presents the finite element analysis of a suspension bridge subjected to earthquake ground motion using simplified models. For this purpose, two simplified models are considered. It is assumed that each element compose of the deck, cable and hangers in the first model. As second model, the elastic foundation analogy method is used. Also, actual bridge model is selected. Finite element earthquake analyses of the simplified and real bridge models are performed. One of the world's longest modern type suspension bridges, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, is selected as a numerical example. As ground motions, Kocaeli earthquake occurred on August 17, 1999 in Kocaeli, Turkey is chosen since it took place at the vicinity of the bridge. The response values obtained from simplified and actual bridge models are compared with each other.
