Inspection evaluation, and rehabilitation of suspension bridge cables

This paper presents the results of the inspection, sampling and testing of the cable of three suspension bridges in the USA, and discusses the programmes for rehabilitating their cables. The bridges studied were the Brooklyn Bridge across New York's East River, and the two I-74 bridges across the Mississippi River between Bettendorf, IA and Moline, IL. Inspection of the Brooklyn Bridge cables was performed on two distinct parts: (1) wrapped areas between the anchorages; and (2) unwrapped individual strands within the anchorage chambers. The four cables were visually inspected end-to-end, and their in-depth investigation was based on the conditions observed. A close condition inspection was required of all cables and the superstructures of both the I-74 bridges. The cables to be inspected included all their handropes, main cables, and suspenders. On the Brooklyn Bridge, all eight anchorage chambers were enlarged, so that they now provide ample space for inspecting and maintaining the cable strands. The damaged wires were repaired, and it is fully expected that the rehabilitated bridge will last for at least 100 more years. The authors give three detailed recommendations for protecting the cables of the I-74 bridges. Their work provides valuable insight into the longevity of different suspension bridge cable designs. For the covering abstract of the conference see IRRD 858334. The French title of this paper is:- Inspection evaluation et remise en etat des cables de ponts suspendus. The German title of this paper is:- Inspektion Beurteilung und Instandsetzung der Kabel von Haengebruecken.