Based on the experimental data from a scaled model of the Liede Bridge in Guangzhou, China, the nonlinear behavior of a self-anchored suspension bridge during the process of structural system transformation has been systematically and comprehensively studied. The variation of main cable deformation, hanger tension, and main girder stress during the transformation process is analyzed, and their relationships with the different states of structural system are studied. The characteristics and distribution patterns of the lateral torsional angle of spatial cable clamps are identified. In this paper, the principles of the two stages of construction control for self-anchored suspension bridges are introduced, and construction control targets and error elimination methods for each stage are also discussed. Based on the measured results of an in situ static load test, the response characteristics of main cable axial deformation, hanger tension, and deflection stress of the main girder are described under the most unfavorable unbalanced loading case. The effects induced by the secondary dead and live load are obtained by a linear analysis procedure according to the accumulative theory. (C) 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.