Suspension bridge cable, installation structure, and installation method
By dividing the suspension bridge cables into straddle and suspension sections and adopting a modular design and layered installation method, the transportation and high-altitude operation challenges during cable installation were solved, achieving an efficient and safe installation process and structural stability.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CCCC SECOND HARBOR ENGINEERING CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-04-15
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-12
AI Technical Summary
Existing suspension bridge cable structures face challenges during installation, including difficulties in transportation, protection of finished products, and insufficient anti-slip performance. In particular, the installation of straddle-type cables is complex and carries high risks associated with high-altitude operations.
The slings are divided into two independent modules: the straddle section and the suspension section. A modular design is adopted, along with a matching installation structure and method. Layered and parallel operations are carried out using a trolley and lifting device, and the connection is achieved through a pin-type joint.
The simplified sling structure reduces the difficulty and safety risks of high-altitude operations, improves installation efficiency, enhances the structural stress balance and wind resistance stability, and provides convenient maintenance and replacement conditions.
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Figure CN122190125A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of suspension bridge cable structure technology, specifically to a suspension bridge cable, installation structure, and installation method. Background Technology
[0002] Currently, there are two main types of suspension bridge cables: pin-type and straddle-type. Pin-type cables have anchor heads at both ends. One end connects to the upper cable clamp of the main cable, and the other end connects to the lower steel beam lifting lug. The cable length is the height between the bridge deck and the main cable. Installation is typically done using a vertical lifting method. This involves transporting the cable to directly beneath the main cable via barge or flatbed truck, then using a winch to lift the upper anchor head vertically. Once in position, the anchor head and cable clamp pin holes are aligned, and the pin is inserted to complete the cable installation.
[0003] Both ends of the straddle-type sling are connected to the steel box girder. The length of the sling is twice that of the pin-type sling. The middle position of the sling straddles the cable clamp. Therefore, the sling needs to be installed around the cable clamp. Thus, it cannot be lifted and installed vertically like the pin-type sling. The current common practice is to use a tower crane to lift it to the top of the tower column and use two trolleys to lift it to the design position for installation.
[0004] Both types of cable structures have their advantages and disadvantages. The pin-type cable structure is more convenient to install, as the cables do not need to be transported long distances along the catwalk during installation, providing better protection for the finished structure. However, based on experience from multiple suspension bridges, the straddle-type cable structure generally outperforms the pin-type cable structure in terms of anti-slip performance of the cable clamps, but it suffers from drawbacks such as longer structure, greater transportation difficulty, and challenges in protecting the finished product. Summary of the Invention
[0005] The purpose of this application is to address the shortcomings of the aforementioned background technology and to provide a sling, installation structure, and installation method.
[0006] The technical solution of this application is: a suspension bridge cable, comprising: The straddle section has a U-shaped structure with its U-shaped opening facing downwards, and is used to straddle the cable clamp of the main cable. The bottom of the U-shaped straddle section is used to be fixedly connected to the upper end of the cable clamp. The suspension consists of two sets of suspension sections, both of which are arranged vertically. Each set of suspension sections has an upper connector at its upper end, which is used to detachably connect to one side of the U-shaped structure of the straddle section. Each set of suspension sections also has a lower connector at its lower end for connecting to the steel beam.
[0007] According to the present application, the portion of the suspension cable of a suspension bridge located on both sides of the main cable is arranged symmetrically with the axis of the main cable as the center.
[0008] According to the present application, the upper and lower joints of a suspension bridge cable are pin-type joints.
[0009] According to the present application, a suspension bridge cable is provided with a connector between two sets of suspension sections connected to the same straddle section, the connector being used to limit the relative displacement between the two sets of suspension sections.
[0010] This application also relates to an installation structure for installing the aforementioned suspension bridge cables, comprising: A tower top gantry is fixed to the top of the bridge tower. Catwalk gantry load-bearing cables and catwalk load-bearing cables are installed on the tower top gantry along the direction of the bridge. The catwalk gantry load-bearing cables are located above the main cable and below the main cable. A zenith trolley is movably mounted on the catwalk gantry support cable along the bridge direction, and a first lifting device for hoisting the straddle section is installed on the zenith trolley. The second lifting device is installed on the catwalk support cable and is used to lift the suspended part.
[0011] According to an installation structure provided in this application, the first lifting device includes a first hand chain hoist installed in front of the zenith trolley along the bridge for hoisting one side of the U-shaped opening of the straddle portion, and a second hand chain hoist installed in the rear of the zenith trolley along the bridge for hoisting one side of the bottom of the U-shaped straddle portion.
[0012] According to an installation structure provided in this application, the second lifting device includes a winch, a traction rope, and a pulley block; the winch is installed at the top of the tower, and the pulley block is movably disposed on the catwalk support cable along the length direction of the catwalk support cable; one end of the traction rope is connected to the winch, and the other end of the traction rope passes around the pulley block and is used to connect to the upper end of the suspended part.
[0013] This application relates to an installation method that uses the above-mentioned installation structure for sling installation, including the following steps: The straddle part is loaded onto the zenith trolley, and the zenith trolley is controlled to move, so that the straddle part is installed onto the corresponding cable clamp; The suspension section to be installed is transported to a position below the cable clamp, and the second lifting device is used to vertically lift the suspension section until the upper end of the suspension section is connected to the end of the straddle section.
[0014] According to an installation method provided in this application, the steps of installing the straddle portion onto the corresponding cable clamp include: Connect one side of the U-shaped bottom of the straddle part to be installed to the second hand chain hoist located on the zenith trolley in the rear direction of the bridge, and connect one side of the U-shaped opening of the straddle part to the first hand chain hoist located on the zenith trolley in the front direction of the bridge. Drive the zenith trolley to move above the cable clamp to be installed, loosen the connection between the first hand chain hoist and the straddle part, and let the straddle part hang down naturally under the action of gravity, forming a U-shaped opening facing downwards. Control the second hand chain hoist to lower the straddle part until the U-shaped bottom of the straddle part sits on the upper end of the cable clamp.
[0015] According to an installation method provided in this application, the step of vertically lifting the suspended portion to dock with the end of the straddle portion includes: Control the pulley block in the second lifting device to move along the catwalk load-bearing cable to below the cable clamp to be installed; Connect the end of the traction rope in the second lifting device to the upper end of the suspension part located below; Raise the suspension section until the upper end of the suspension section is flush with the end of the U-shaped structure of the straddle section; The upper end of the suspension part is connected to the end of the straddle part using a pin.
[0016] The advantages of this application are: 1. This application relates to a suspension bridge cable that breaks down the traditional integral cable into two independent modules: the straddle part and the suspension part. This modular design simplifies the structure of individual components, making them easier to process, manufacture, and control in terms of quality.
[0017] The straddle section has a U-shaped structure, directly straddling the main cable clamp, with the bottom of the U-shape fixed to the top of the clamp. This connection method allows the vertical load of the sling to be stably and symmetrically transferred to the main cable, avoiding the eccentric bending moment generated on the clamp in traditional pin-type slings, resulting in good stress distribution and reliable connection.
[0018] The two suspension sections are detachably connected to the ends of the straddle section via an upper connector. This introduces the core advantage of pin-type connections. During installation, the straddle section can be precisely positioned first, and then the suspension section can be vertically lifted and connected using a simple pin joint. This not only avoids the complex operations of traditional straddle slings, which require overall hoisting and winding at high altitudes, but also greatly facilitates later maintenance and replacement.
[0019] Dividing the sling into upper and lower sections allows for smaller and more compact components to be lifted in a single operation, reducing the requirements for lifting equipment. More importantly, it breaks down the complex installation process into two relatively simple steps: the installation of the straddling section at high altitude (top of the main cable) and the lifting and docking of the vertically suspended section, avoiding the challenges of simultaneously handling complex attitude adjustments and heavy object docking at high altitude.
[0020] Modular components and simple pin connections significantly reduce the time required for high-altitude operations. After workers position the straddle section above the cable clamps, the lifting and docking of the suspended section below can be done in an assembly line fashion, significantly improving the overall installation speed.
[0021] 2. This application specifies that the sections of the straddle portion located on both sides of the main cable are symmetrically arranged with the main cable axis as the center. When the straddle portion is symmetrical on both sides, under vertical loads, the tension of the two sets of suspension sections can be evenly transferred to the straddle portion. The straddle portion mainly bears symmetrical tensile stress, without generating additional torsional or bending stress on the U-shaped structure. This ensures the balance and stability of the structural stress, avoids local stress concentration caused by uneven stress, and improves the fatigue life of the suspenders and the safety of the overall structure.
[0022] 3. This application specifies that the upper and lower joints are pin-type joints. Pin-type connections are a mature, reliable, and highly efficient connection method. No complex threading or high-altitude welding is required; simply passing the pin through the connecting lug is sufficient. This plug-and-play characteristic perfectly meets the extreme demand for ease of operation in high-altitude work. Pin-type connections allow for a certain degree of rotational freedom between connected components, adapting to minor bridge deformations caused by temperature changes and vehicle loads, avoiding secondary stresses that may arise from rigid connections, and exhibiting good structural adaptability. Compared to welding or high-strength bolt connections, pin-type connections are easier to disassemble. When the slings need replacement or maintenance, simply pulling out the pin separates the components, greatly reducing the difficulty and cost of subsequent maintenance.
[0023] 4. This application specifies the use of connectors between the two sets of suspended sections to limit their relative displacement, further enhancing the overall integrity and wind resistance of the suspension system. Suspension bridge cables are relatively long, and under dynamic loads such as strong winds or earthquakes, the two independent suspended sections may sway asynchronously, colliding with each other or adversely affecting the structure. By using connectors (such as rigid struts or flexible cables) to link the two sets of suspended sections into a whole, their relative displacement is effectively limited, improving the overall stiffness of the structure, suppressing potential vibrations, and enhancing the durability of the cables and the driving comfort of the bridge.
[0024] 5. This application also relates to an installation structure for installing the aforementioned sling system, achieving systematization, refinement, and efficiency in the installation process. The catwalk gantry load-bearing cable above the main cable is used to install and transport the zenith trolley, specifically responsible for hoisting the straddle section; the catwalk load-bearing cable below the main cable is used to arrange the second lifting device, specifically responsible for the vertical lifting of the suspended section. This layered workspace design ensures that the two main installation processes do not interfere with each other, allowing for parallel or sequential operations, greatly improving installation efficiency.
[0025] The design of the zenith trolley enables the entire process of transporting the straddle section from the top of the tower to the designated cable clamp position, and then adjusting its posture and lowering it into place, all while being fully mechanized. It eliminates the need for repeated relocation using other large lifting equipment, ensuring precise positioning and flexible operation.
[0026] By integrating the lifting device (second lifting device) onto the existing catwalk support cable, the lifting operation of the suspended part can be carried out on a stable, pre-set track, avoiding the safety hazards caused by temporarily building a complex lifting system on the catwalk.
[0027] 6. This application defines the first lifting device as including two hand-operated hoists installed at the front and rear of the trolley along the bridge. Positioning the two hoists at the front and rear of the trolley allows for convenient and precise control of the straddle portion's posture. During transport, the straddle portion can be placed horizontally. Upon reaching the designated position, the front hoist (connected to the U-shaped opening side) is released, allowing the straddle portion to naturally droop into an inverted U-shape, while the rear hoist (connected to the bottom side of the U-shape) controls the lowering. This front-release-rear-lowering operation cleverly utilizes gravity, achieving a seamless transition of the straddle portion from transport to installation posture, and is simple and reliable to operate. In the final lowering stage, by controlling the rear second hand-operated hoist, the U-shaped bottom of the straddle portion can be slowly and smoothly positioned onto the upper end of the cable clamp, achieving precise alignment and avoiding collision damage.
[0028] 7. This application defines the second lifting device as including a tower-top winch, a traction rope, and a movable pulley block. By using the winch in conjunction with the pulley block, the suspended section can be efficiently and directly lifted from the bridge deck or transport vessel to the docking position at the main cable height. The pulley block can move along the catwalk support cable, allowing one power system (winch) to serve lifting operations at multiple cable clamp positions, resulting in high equipment utilization. Compared to using a single hand-operated hoist for long-distance lifting, the winch system provides more stable and continuous power, and with a braking device, it offers higher safety and is more suitable for vertically lifting heavier suspended sections.
[0029] 8. This application also relates to an installation method that breaks down the complex installation of slings into two independent, consecutive steps: the upper and lower installation method. First, the higher and more structurally complex straddle section is addressed, followed by the more numerous and longer suspended sections. This process breakdown makes each step focused on a single objective and clear operation, reducing the complexity of construction management.
[0030] Traditional integrated sling installations require simultaneous adjustments to both the upper and lower connection points at high altitudes, which is extremely difficult. In this method, the lower end of the straddle section is free during installation, and the lower end of the suspended section is also free during lifting. The final docking point is in the air, but because the end position of the straddle section is fixed, the suspended section only needs to be lifted vertically to achieve precise docking. This method of fixing one end and lifting the other makes high-altitude docking exceptionally simple.
[0031] 9. This application further refines the specific operation method for installing the straddle component using a trolley and two hand-operated hoists, offering high operability and safety. The sequence of connection, transportation, release, and lowering is clearly defined, requiring only that workers follow the instructions without complex on-site judgment. By releasing the first hand-operated hoist, the straddle component is allowed to naturally droop under gravity to achieve its installation posture. This process is controlled and predictable, avoiding the dangers and operational difficulties that might arise from workers forcibly altering the component's posture. Finally, lowering is achieved using a single hoist (the second hand-operated hoist), enabling inching and fine-tuning to ensure the straddle component sits precisely and stably on the cable clamp, avoiding impact.
[0032] 10. This application details the method for lifting and connecting the suspended section using a second lifting device, ensuring precise connection and reliable alignment. First, the pulley block is moved to the working position and the traction rope is connected, fully preparing for the lifting and ensuring the verticality and stability of the lifting path. Through precise control of the winch, the upper joint of the suspended section is lifted to a position flush with the end of the straddle section. Since both are connected by a pin-shaft ear plate structure, fine-tuning in the horizontal direction is very easy after vertical alignment. Attached Figure Description
[0033] Figure 1 This application includes a schematic diagram of the suspension bridge cable structure. Figure 2 : A schematic diagram of the hoisting of the straddle portion of this application; Figure 3 : A schematic diagram of the zenith trolley hoisting straddle section of this application; Figure 4 : A schematic diagram of the straddle section being hoisted to the cable clamp structure in this application; Figure 5 : A schematic diagram of the installation of the straddle portion of this application; Figure 6: A schematic diagram of the zenith trolley lowering and straddling part of this application; Figure 7 : A schematic diagram of the hoisting of the suspended portion of this application; Figure 8 : A schematic diagram of the connection between the straddle portion and the suspension portion in this application; Wherein: 1—Spanning section; 2—Suspension section; 3—Upper joint; 4—Lower joint; 5—Connector; 11—Tower top gantry; 12—Catwalk gantry load-bearing cable; 13—Catwalk load-bearing cable; 14—Main cable; 15—Cable clamp; 16—Ceiling trolley; 17—First manual hoist; 18—Second manual hoist; 19—Wind; 110—Traction rope (not shown in the figure); 111—Pulley block (not shown in the figure). Detailed Implementation
[0034] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.
[0035] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.
[0036] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0037] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0038] This invention provides a suspension bridge cable and its installation structure and method. Its core innovation lies in modularizing the traditional integral cable into a straddle section 1 and a suspension section 2, and designing a dedicated installation system and process. This solution breaks through the conventional mindset of installing suspension cables as a single unit at high altitudes. It adopts a structural decomposition, system matching, and process reconstruction approach, transforming complex high-altitude operations into a streamlined construction process with layered and parallel operations. This not only simplifies the cable's structure but also significantly reduces the difficulty and safety risks of high-altitude operations through customized installation tools and steps, significantly improving installation efficiency. It also greatly facilitates subsequent inspection and maintenance, achieving a systematic innovation in suspension bridge cables from structural design to construction technology.
[0039] Specifically, such as Figures 1-8 As shown, the suspension bridge cable of the present invention includes a straddle section 1 and two sets of suspension sections 2. The straddle section 1 has a U-shaped structure with its U-shaped opening facing downwards, and is used to straddle the cable clamp 15 of the main cable 14. The bottom of the U-shape of the straddle section 1 is used to fix it to the upper end of the cable clamp 15. Both sets of suspension sections 2 are arranged vertically. Each set of suspension sections 2 has an upper connector 3 at its upper end, which is used to detachably connect to one side end of the U-shaped structure of the straddle section 1. Each set of suspension sections 2 has a lower connector 4 at its lower end for connection to the steel beam.
[0040] The installation structure includes a tower top gantry 11, a zenith trolley 16, and a second lifting device. The tower top gantry 11 is fixed to the top of the bridge tower, and catwalk gantry load-bearing cables 12 and 13, arranged along the bridge direction, are installed on the tower top gantry 11. The catwalk gantry load-bearing cables 12 are located above the main cable 14, and the catwalk load-bearing cables 13 are located below the main cable 14. The zenith trolley 16 is movably mounted on the catwalk gantry load-bearing cable 12 along the bridge direction, and a first lifting device is installed on the zenith trolley 16 for hoisting the straddle portion 1. The second lifting device is mounted on the catwalk load-bearing cable 13 for hoisting the suspended portion 2.
[0041] The following steps can be followed when installing suspension bridge cables: S1: Load the straddle part 1 onto the zenith trolley 16 and control the zenith trolley 16 to move, so as to install the straddle part 1 onto the corresponding cable clamp 15; S2: Transport the suspension part 2 to be installed to the position below the cable clamp 15, and use the second lifting device to vertically lift the suspension part 2 until the upper end of the suspension part 2 is connected to the end of the straddle part 1.
[0042] This invention divides the sling into two independent modules: a straddling section 1 and a suspended section 2. A trolley 16 moves along the catwalk gantry support cable 12 above the main cable 14 to complete the high-altitude transport and installation of the straddling section 1. A second lifting device is used to vertically lift the suspended section 2 along the catwalk support cable 13 below the main cable 14, achieving separate and parallel operations. The two sections are connected by a detachable joint, breaking down the complex high-altitude installation of traditional integral slings into two relatively independent processes.
[0043] The sling structure of this invention is simple, and its modular design facilitates processing and quality control. Through the layered arrangement of the installation structure, the installation of the straddle section 1 and the suspended section 2 does not interfere with each other, allowing for parallel operations and significantly reducing high-altitude work time. Simultaneously, it combines the advantages of a straddle-type sling's stable connection to the main cable 14 with the convenient assembly and disassembly of a pin-type sling, significantly reducing installation difficulty and improving installation efficiency.
[0044] In some embodiments of this application, the structure of the straddling portion 1 has been further optimized. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the portions of the straddling portion 1 located on both sides of the main cable 14 are arranged symmetrically with the axis of the main cable 14 as the center.
[0045] When the slings bear vertical loads, the tension of the two sets of suspension sections 2 is transmitted to the main cable 14 through both sides of the straddle section 1. If the two sides of the straddle section 1 are symmetrical about the axis of the main cable 14, the tension on both sides of the straddle section 1 is completely symmetrical. The straddle section 1 mainly bears uniform tensile stress along its contour and will not generate additional torsional or bending stress.
[0046] The symmetrical structure makes the stress state of the sling more reasonable, avoids local stress concentration caused by asymmetrical stress, improves the fatigue life and structural safety of the straddle part 1 and the entire sling system, and makes the stress of the cable clamp 15 more balanced, which is conducive to the long-term safe operation of the main cable 14.
[0047] In other embodiments of this application, the specific forms of the upper connector 3 and the lower connector 4 are defined. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the upper connector 3 and the lower connector 4 are pin-type connectors.
[0048] During installation, once the upper end of the suspension part 2 is raised to be flush with the end of the straddle part 1, the pin is directly inserted into the corresponding ear plate hole to complete the connection of the upper connector 3. Similarly, when the lower end of the suspension part 2 is connected to the steel beam, the pin is also used for connection.
[0049] A pin-type joint uses a pin as a connecting element to hinge two components with lugs together. This connection method allows for a certain degree of relative rotation between the connected components, while relying on the shear force of the pin and the bearing pressure of the lugs to transfer the load.
[0050] The pin-type joint has a simple structure and does not require high-altitude welding or high-strength bolt tightening during installation. It only requires inserting the pin, making construction extremely fast. Its ability to allow slight rotation can adapt to the deformation of the bridge under live loads and temperature, avoiding secondary stress. In addition, the pin connection is easy to disassemble, which greatly facilitates the inspection, maintenance and replacement of the slings in the later stage.
[0051] In a preferred embodiment of this application, a connector 5 is added between the two sets of suspension parts 2. For example... Figure 1 As shown, a connector 5 is provided between the two sets of suspension parts 2 connected to the same straddle part 1, and the connector 5 is used to limit the relative displacement between the two sets of suspension parts 2.
[0052] The connector 5 can be a rigid strut or a flexible cable, with its two ends connected to the two sets of suspension parts 2 respectively. When the two sets of suspension parts 2 swing asynchronously under external excitation, the connector 5 will transmit the interaction force between them, constrain their relative motion, and make the two sets of suspension parts 2 work together as a whole.
[0053] In fact, a connecting piece is also provided between the two dangling cables of the straddle section 1, such as... Figure 1 As shown.
[0054] This structure effectively suppresses the mutual collisions and out-of-phase vibrations that may occur between long suspension cables under wind loads, seismic loads, or vehicle dynamic loads, improves the overall stiffness and wind resistance stability of the suspension cable system, enhances the durability of the structure, and improves the driving comfort of the bridge deck.
[0055] In some embodiments of this application, the first lifting device is specifically defined, and a detailed installation method for the straddling part 1 is provided. For example... Figure 3 and 6 As shown, the first lifting device includes a first hand chain hoist 17 installed in front of the zenith trolley 16 along the bridge for hoisting one side of the U-shaped opening of the straddle part 1, and a second hand chain hoist 18 installed in the rear of the zenith trolley 16 along the bridge for hoisting one side of the bottom of the U-shaped straddle part 1.
[0056] The steps of installing the straddle part 1 onto the corresponding cable clip 15 include: S11: Connect one side of the U-shaped bottom of the straddle part 1 to the second hand-operated hoist 18 located on the zenith trolley 16 facing backwards along the bridge; connect one side of the U-shaped opening of the straddle part 1 to the first hand-operated hoist 17 located on the zenith trolley 16 facing forwards along the bridge. Figure 3 As shown; S12: Drive the zenith trolley 16 to move above the cable clamp 15 to be installed, loosen the connection between the first hand-operated hoist 17 and the straddle part 1, so that the straddle part 1 hangs down naturally under the action of gravity, forming a U-shaped opening facing downwards, as shown. Figure 6 As shown; S13: Control the second hand chain hoist 18 to lower the straddle part 1 until the U-shaped bottom of the straddle part 1 sits on the upper end of the cable clamp 15.
[0057] Two chain hoists are used to control the U-shaped bottom and the U-shaped opening side of the straddle part 1, respectively. During the transportation phase, the two chain hoists are lifted simultaneously to keep the straddle part 1 horizontal or in a position that facilitates transportation. After reaching the installation position, the first chain hoist 17 on the U-shaped opening side is released, allowing that side to fall freely under gravity, and the straddle part 1 automatically flips to form an inverted U-shape. Finally, the second chain hoist 18 on the U-shaped bottom side is used to lower the part, so that the bottom of the U-shape is precisely placed on the cable clamp 15.
[0058] This method cleverly utilizes gravity to automatically change the posture of the straddle part 1, eliminating the need for workers to adjust the component angle at height. It is simple and safe to operate. The front-to-back arrangement of two hand-operated hoists ensures smooth transport and precise posture control. During lowering, a single hoist operation allows for fine-tuning, ensuring accurate alignment of the straddle part 1 with the cable clamp 15 and preventing collision damage.
[0059] In other embodiments of this application, the second lifting device is specifically defined, and a detailed installation method for the suspension part 2 is provided. For example... Figure 2 , 4 As shown in Figures 5, 7, and 8, the second lifting device includes a winch 19, a traction rope 110, and a pulley block 111; the winch 19 is installed at the top of the tower, and the pulley block 111 is movably mounted on the catwalk support cable 13 along the length of the catwalk support cable 13; one end of the traction rope 110 is connected to the winch 19, and the other end of the traction rope 110 passes around the pulley block 111 and is used to connect to the upper end of the suspension part 2.
[0060] The step of vertically lifting the suspended part 2 to dock with the end of the straddle part 1 includes: S21: Control the pulley block 111 in the second lifting device to move along the catwalk load-bearing cable 13 to below the cable clamp 15 to be installed; S22: Connect the end of the traction rope 110 in the second lifting device to the upper end of the suspension part 2 located below; S23: Raise the suspension part 2 until the upper joint 3 of the suspension part 2 is flush with the end of the U-shaped structure of the straddle part 1, such as... Figure 7 As shown; S24: Connect the upper connector 3 to the end of the straddle portion 1 using a pin, such as... Figure 8 As shown.
[0061] A winch 19, serving as the power source, is located at the top of the bridge tower and drives a pulley block 111 via a traction rope 110. The pulley block 111 can move freely along the catwalk support cable 13, adjusting it to be directly below any cable clamp 15, thereby enabling a single power system to cover the entire bridge's suspended section 2 for vertical lifting operations. After being lifted into position, a pin is used to quickly connect the upper and lower sections.
[0062] This solution uses a winch 19 as the power source, which has a large lifting capacity, runs smoothly, and is highly safe. The pulley block 111 can move along the catwalk load-bearing cable 13, which has a high equipment utilization rate and avoids the repeated placement of lifting equipment at each cable clamp 15 position. The lifting and docking steps are clear, and the pin connection is quick and reliable, realizing the efficient and precise installation of the suspended part 2.
[0063] In actual installation, the suspension bridge cable installation method of this application includes the following steps: Step 1: Preparation and Equipment Setup A tower top gantry 11 is installed at the top of the bridge tower. Catwalk gantry load-bearing cables 12 and 13 are arranged along the bridge direction on the tower top gantry 11, with the catwalk gantry load-bearing cable 12 located above the main cable 14 and the catwalk load-bearing cable 13 located below the main cable 14. A gantry trolley 16 is installed on the catwalk gantry load-bearing cable 12. A first hand-operated hoist 17 is installed forward along the bridge direction of the gantry trolley 16, and a second hand-operated hoist 18 is installed backward along the bridge direction. A winch 19 is installed at the top of the bridge tower. A pulley block 111 that can move along the catwalk load-bearing cable 13 is installed on the catwalk load-bearing cable 13. The winch 19 is connected to the pulley block 111 via a traction rope 110, forming a second lifting device.
[0064] Step Two: Transportation and Installation of the Riding Part 1 like Figure 2 and 3 As shown, one side of the U-shaped bottom of the straddle part 1 is connected to the second hand chain hoist 18 on the zenith trolley 16, and the other side of the U-shaped opening is connected to the first hand chain hoist 17, so that the straddle part 1 is horizontally and stably suspended below the zenith trolley 16. Drive the zenith trolley 16 to move along the catwalk gantry load-bearing cable 12 to directly above the cable clamp 15 to be installed.
[0065] After reaching the designated location, such as Figure 4 , 5 As shown in Figure 6, the connection between the first chain hoist 17 and the U-shaped opening side of the straddle portion 1 is released. This side naturally droops under gravity, and the straddle portion 1 automatically flips to form a U-shaped opening facing downwards. The second chain hoist 18 is then controlled to slowly lower the straddle portion 1, so that the U-shaped bottom of the straddle portion 1 sits stably on the upper end of the cable clamp 15, and the U-shaped bottom is fixedly connected to the upper end of the cable clamp 15. At this time, the portions of the straddle portion 1 located on both sides of the main cable 14 are symmetrically arranged with the axis of the main cable 14 as the center.
[0066] Step 3: Lifting and docking of suspended section 2 Move pulley block 111 along the catwalk support cable 13 to a position directly below the same cable clamp 15. Transport the suspended part 2 to be installed below the cable clamp 15, and connect the end of the traction rope 110 to the upper end of the suspended part 2. Start the winch 19, and smoothly lift the suspended part 2 vertically using the traction rope 110 and pulley block 111, as follows. Figure 7 As shown.
[0067] When the upper connector 3 of the suspension part 2 is raised to be flush with the end of the straddle part 1, the lifting is stopped. Insert the pin into the ear plate hole at the end of the upper connector 3 and the straddle part 1 to complete the pin-type connection between them, as shown below. Figure 8 As shown. In the same manner, the lower end of the suspension part 2 is connected to the corresponding lug on the steel beam via a pin.
[0068] Step 4: Overall Reinforcement For the two sets of suspension parts 2 connected to the same straddle part 1, a connector 5 is installed between them. The connector 5 can be a rigid strut or a flexible cable, with its two ends fixedly connected to the two sets of suspension parts 2 respectively, so as to limit the relative displacement between the two sets of suspension parts 2 and enhance the overall wind resistance stability of the suspension system.
[0069] Step 5: Repeat the work Repeat steps two through four above to complete the installation of suspenders at all cable clamp positions 15 on the entire bridge.
[0070] This application transforms the traditional high-risk, high-difficulty operation of suspension bridge cable installation into a streamlined, standardized, low-risk, and efficient construction process through the organic combination of layered operation, process decomposition, specialized tooling, and meticulous operation. This method fully leverages the dual advantages of the straddle-type cable's reasonable stress distribution and the pin-type cable's convenient assembly and disassembly. The gantry 16 and hand-operated hoist achieve precise positioning of the straddle section 1, while the winch 19 and pulley block 111 enable stable long-distance lifting of the suspended section 2. Gravity-assisted attitude conversion and rapid pin connection significantly reduce the difficulty and safety risks of high-altitude operations, greatly improve cable installation efficiency, and ensure the long-term reliability and maintainability of the structure.
[0071] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this application. Various changes and modifications can be made to this application without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of this application as claimed. The scope of protection of this application is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A suspension cable for a suspension bridge, characterized in that: include: The straddle part (1) has a U-shaped structure with its U-shaped opening facing downwards. It is used to straddle the cable clamp (15) of the main cable (14). The bottom of the U-shaped straddle part (1) is used to be fixedly connected to the upper end of the cable clamp (15). Two sets of suspension parts (2) are arranged vertically. Each set of suspension parts (2) has an upper connector (3) at its upper end. The upper connector (3) is used to detachably connect to one side end of the U-shaped structure of the straddle part (1). Each set of suspension parts (2) has a lower connector (4) at its lower end for connecting to the steel beam.
2. A suspension bridge cable according to claim 1, characterized in that: The straddle portion (1) located on both sides of the main cable (14) is arranged symmetrically with the axis of the main cable (14) as the center.
3. A suspension bridge cable according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper connector (3) and the lower connector (4) are pin-type connectors.
4. A suspension bridge cable according to claim 1, characterized in that: A connector (5) is provided between the two sets of suspension parts (2) connected to the same straddle part (1), the connector (5) being used to limit the relative displacement between the two sets of suspension parts (2).
5. An installation structure for installing suspension bridge cables as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: include: A tower top gantry (11) is fixed to the top of the bridge tower. Catwalk gantry load-bearing cables (12) and catwalk load-bearing cables (13) are installed on the tower top gantry (11) along the direction of the bridge. The catwalk gantry load-bearing cables (12) are located above the main cable (14), and the catwalk load-bearing cables (13) are located below the main cable (14). The zenith trolley (16) is movable along the bridge direction and is mounted on the catwalk gantry load-bearing cable (12). The zenith trolley (16) is equipped with a first lifting device for hoisting the straddle part (1). The second lifting device is installed on the catwalk support cable (13) and is used to lift the suspended part (2).
6. The installation structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The first lifting device includes a first hand chain hoist (17) installed on the front of the zenith trolley (16) along the bridge for hoisting the U-shaped opening side of the straddle part (1) and a second hand chain hoist (18) installed on the rear of the zenith trolley (16) along the bridge for hoisting the bottom side of the U-shaped straddle part (1).
7. The installation structure according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second lifting device includes a winch (19), a traction rope (110), and a pulley block (111); the winch (19) is installed at the top of the tower, and the pulley block (111) is movably arranged on the catwalk support cable (13) along the length direction of the catwalk support cable (13); one end of the traction rope (110) is connected to the winch (19), and the other end of the traction rope (110) passes around the pulley block (111) and is used to connect to the upper end of the suspension part (2).
8. An installation method, characterized in that: The installation of slings using the installation structure described in any one of claims 5 to 7 includes the following steps: Load the straddle part (1) onto the zenith trolley (16) and control the zenith trolley (16) to move, and install the straddle part (1) onto the corresponding cable clamp (15); The suspension part (2) to be installed is transported to a position below the cable clamp (15), and the suspension part (2) is vertically lifted using the second lifting device until the upper end of the suspension part (2) is connected to the end of the straddle part (1).
9. An installation method according to claim 8, characterized in that: The steps of attaching the straddle part (1) to the corresponding cable clip (15) include: Connect one side of the U-shaped bottom of the straddle part (1) to be installed to the second hand chain hoist (18) on the zenith trolley (16) located behind the bridge, and connect one side of the U-shaped opening of the straddle part (1) to the first hand chain hoist (17) on the zenith trolley (16) located in front of the bridge. Drive the zenith trolley (16) to move above the cable clamp (15) to be installed, loosen the connection between the first hand chain hoist (17) and the straddle part (1), so that the straddle part (1) hangs down naturally under the action of gravity, forming a U-shaped opening facing down. Control the second hand chain hoist (18) to lower the straddle part (1) until the U-shaped bottom of the straddle part (1) sits on the upper end of the cable clamp (15).
10. An installation method according to claim 8, characterized in that: The step of vertically lifting the suspended part (2) to dock with the end of the straddle part (1) includes: Control the pulley block (111) in the second lifting device to move along the catwalk load-bearing cable (13) to below the cable clamp (15) to be installed; Connect the end of the traction rope (110) in the second lifting device to the upper end of the suspension part (2) located below; Raise the suspension part (2) until the upper end of the suspension part (2) is flush with the end of the U-shaped structure of the straddle part (1); The upper end of the suspension part (2) is connected to the end of the straddle part (1) by means of a pin.