EVALUATION OF THE SUNSHINE SKYWAY BRIDGE LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM. FINAL REPORT

A linear lumped circuit is developed to model the Sunshine Skyway Bridge grounding system. Careful considerations are given to the effects of resistance, inductive reactance, and capacitive reactance to account for the distributive nature of copper strap line segments used in the grounding system. The first step in this effort is to carefully evaluate the line parameters per unit length using quasistatic techniques. In particular, to ensure the practical significance of the model, the line capacitance and conductance are determined based on measurement data. A II-equivalent circuit is then derived by transforming transmission line equations with proper termination conditions imposed. The complete circuit model is finally formed by properly connecting these II-equivalent circuits. SPICE analysis has been successfully applied to such network of II-equivalent circuits. Finally, recommendations are presented for immediate action on urgent issues pertaining to: (1) the monitoring of lightning strikes; (2) the upgrade of the lightning protection system; and (3) the deployment of fiber optic systems.

  • Corporate Authors:

    Florida State University, Tallahassee

    Department of Electrical Engineering, P.O. Box 2175
    Tallahassee, FL  United States  32316-2175

    Florida Department of Transportation

    Haydon Burns Building, 605 Suwanee Street
    Tallahassee, FL  United States  32301
  • Authors:
    • Kwan, B W
    • Tung, L J
  • Publication Date: 1994-9

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Features: Appendices; Figures; References;
  • Pagination: 72 p.

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00667753
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: FL/DOT/RMC/0654-7785, State Job 99700-7101-010, WPI 0510654
  • Contract Numbers: B-7785
  • Files: TRIS, STATEDOT
  • Created Date: Oct 26 1994 12:00AM