Analysis of wind-induced internal forces on temporary connections in a steel box girder suspension bridge during erection

During the erection of suspension bridges, temporary connections are used to connect erected girder segments. It is highly important to ensure the safety of temporary connections during the wind-induced vibration of bridges. This study investigated the wind-induced internal forces on temporary connections in a steel box girder suspension bridge. The dynamic characteristics of the bridge during erection were analyzed considering the effect of temporary connections. Both static and dynamic wind-induced internal forces on the temporary connections were calculated under the reference wind speed. Furthermore, a finite element model was established to determine the stress distribution of the temporary connections. The study revealed that the temporary connections at the bottom plate of the girder experienced the most unfavorable stress conditions, with significant stress concentration observed particularly around the bolt holes. The buffeting under extreme inflow conditions may cause the stress in certain temporary connections to significantly exceed the ultimate strength of steel. This results in the failure of these connections. Adding temporary ballasts and installing tuned mass dampers are effective to decrease the buffeting-induced internal force. To better improve the stress concentration issue, it is highly necessary to enhance the local stiffness of temporary connections or modify their arrangement.