Dynamic Mechanical Characteristics of Swivel Bridge during Rotation Process

As an emerging bridge construction technology, swivel bridge construction is widely employed to cross existing lines because of less interference with transportation. A safe and stable rotation process, as the most critical construction step, is essential for swivel bridge construction. During the rotation process, the dynamic mechanical characteristics of swivel bridge components are highly complex and challenging to elucidate. The control indicators among rotation process affect the safety of rotation construction process. This paper investigates the dynamic mechanical characteristics of the spherical hinge components and the whole swivel bridge during the rotation process, based on formula derivation, numerical simulation, and scale model tests. Firstly, the paper derives the motion equation for the rotation process of the swivel bridge and determines the maximum theoretical angular acceleration of the actual swivel bridge. Secondly, numerical simulation calculations illustrate that the mechanical characteristics of the sliders were greatly affected by the gravity of the superstructure and was hardly affected by angular velocity and angular acceleration. The outer ring sliders were the main bearing region, bearing approximately 67.30% of the load from the superstructure. The mechanical properties of the superstructure were significantly affected by angular acceleration. The main beam/main pier combination area and the upper spherical hinge/turntable combination area are critical zones, and needed focused monitoring throughout the rotation process. Finally, an indoor scale model of the swivel bridge was constructed to analyze the dynamic response of the swivel bridge. The test results verified the calculation of numerical simulation and revealed that the lower spherical hinge has a complex stress distribution in which tension and compression coexist. The research outcome can propose commonly adopted analysis methods and controlling indicators for swivel bridge engineering.