Abstract
Hanger cables in suspension bridges have a particular form - two parallel hanger cables are tied by a horizontal clamp. Hence, it is difficult to estimate the accurate tension of a hanger using the existing frequency-based method based on the simple mathematical model of a single cable. To resolve this problem, in this paper, a frequency-based system identification thechnique is adopted. The complex behavior of the hanger cables has been identified by the aid of a three dimensional finite element analysis. In conjunction with the system identification algorithm and the finite element analysis, tension and other flexural rigidities of the hanger cable has been identified by a proposed approach. To verify the proposed technique, a set of various numerical verifications have been conducted. Finally, the results from the proposed approach have been compared with those from the exising technique.