Mathematical models for suspension bridges - Nonlinear structural instability

This work provides a detailed and up-to-the-minute survey of the various stability problems that can affeect suspension bridges. In order to deduce some experimental data and rules on the behavior of suspension bridges, a number of historical events are first described, in the course of which several questions concerning their stability naturally arise. The book then surveys conventional mathematical models for suspension bridges and suggests new nonlinear alternatives, which can potentially supply answers to some stability questions. New explanations are also provided, based on the nonlinear structural behavior of bridges. All the models and responses presented in the book employ the theory of differential equations and dynamical systems in the broader sense, demonstrating that methods from nonlinear analysis can allow us to determine the thresholds of instability. The research that led to the present monograph was partially supported by a grant of the group GNAMPA of INdAM.