Taizhou Bridge is the first kilometer level three-pylon two-span suspension bridge in the world and the structural complexity has significant effects on the seismic performance of the bridge. Shaking table test of Taizhou Bridge is arranged to investigate the effects of non-uniform ground motion input, collision between main and side spans and optimal seismic structural system. It's very important and difficult to design and manufacture the scaled down model of Taizhou Bridge used during the shaking table test. The key point is that the girder and pylons are very hard to be manufactured if the similarity ratio is strictly followed. Based on the finite element method (FEM) analysis, a simplified scaled down model is designed and the bending stiffness of the girder and pylon are strictly simulated, and the torsion stiffness and axial stiffness are not strictly simulated. The inner forces and displacements of critical sections, points of simplified model and theoretical model are compared by FEM analysis, and it's found out that the difference between the seismic responses is relatively small. So, the simplified model can be used to conduct the shaking table test by the FEM verification.
