Temperature field simulation method and average temperature prediction on main cables of suspension bridges

To achieve real-time prediction of the average temperature of main cable cross-section (ATMCS) of a suspension bridge, this paper first theoretically derived the key factors causing the deviation when using the arithmetic mean value of the outermost temperatures (AMVST) of main cable cross-section as the predicted value of ATMCS. Subsequently, a refined numerical simulation method for sunshine temperature fields of bridge structures is employed to simulate the sunshine temperature field of main cables. Based on this foundation, quantitative analyses are conducted, and a modified formula for AMVST was derived through parameter fitting and generalization. The results show that this modified formula effectively reduces the deviation, thereby enabling real-time prediction of ATMCS. • A novel modification formula enables real-time prediction of the average temperature of main cable cross-section (ATMCS). • A refined numerical simulation method validated with experimental data achieves deviations within 2.0°C. • Parameter analysis provides practical guidelines for temperature sensor placement. • The modification formula enables the real-time prediction of ATMCS in different seasons and all-weather conditions.