Study of the Behaviour of 3-Hinged Stiffening Girders Under Equivalent UDL and Point Loads Using SAP Analysis

A 3-hinged stiffening girder is a structural element used in suspension bridges to provide additional stability and stiffness. It consists of a girder supported by three hinges typically at the two ends and at the centre allowing it to accommodate temperature variations, deflections, and dynamic loads while distributing stresses efficiently across the structure. This research aims to conduct a comprehensive comparative analysis of the equivalent uniform distributed load (UDL) transmitted through a 3-hinged stiffening girder cable with varying numbers of suspenders. The study has delved into the theories and definitions associated with the behaviors of suspended cables, exploring how different configurations of suspenders impact the distribution of loads and the overall structural performance of the system. The significance lies in achieving an optimal balance between load-bearing capacity, stability, and material efficiency. An insufficient number of suspenders may lead to uneven load distribution, potentially causing localized stress concentrations or overloading certain elements. On the other hand, an excessive number of suspenders may result in unnecessary complexity and increased construction costs without proportional benefits in load distribution. Understanding the influence of the number of suspenders on structural behaviors is essential for designing cost-effective and resilient suspended cable systems.