Finite element modeling of the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Suspension Bridge

This study presents the 3D finite element model of the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Suspension Bridge located In Istanbul, Turkey. All the towers and the deck are modeled with four node thin shell finite elements with the inclusion of internal diaphragms. The main suspension cable, the back-stay cable, and the hanger cables are modeled with two node beam finite elements. An initial nonlinear static analysis utilizing the geometric stiffness is performed in order to obtain the correct pre-stressing forces in the cables. An eigenvalue analysis of the bridge is performed once a converged solution is obtained by the non-linear static analysis. The results of the eigenvalue analysis are compared with the available ambient vibration test measurements and the results of the finite element model of the bridge with only beam elements. The results show that the 3D numerical model utilizing thin shell finite elements can accurately represent the modal periods of the suspension bridge