A study of mode coupling in flutter and buffeting of the Akashi-Kaikyo bridge

Abstract

Flutter and buffeting of the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge were analyzed using a newly developed analytical tool, which is able to consider fully aeroelastic and aerodynamic coupling effects among modes. The analysis well demonstrated the behavior of a wind-tunnel model and particularly could capture the mode-coupling effects. Six primary modes dominated the flutter of the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge where significant mode couplings of the 1st torsional mode with three vertical modes were observed. The multi-mode analysis also provided insights into the coupling mechanism in buffeting in which strong aeroelastic and aerodynamic interactions between vertical and torsional modes were observed.