Wind analysis of suspension and cable stayed bridges using computational fluid dynamics

Abstract

In the present work, Computational Fluid Dynamic analysis of a suspension bridge is carried out using ANSYS 13.0 and FLOTRAN module has been used for initial analysis. Validation of CFD analysis is carried out by comparing wind aerodynamic coefficients such as drag, lift and moment coefficients obtained from wind tunnel test, which are available in the earlier literature. After validation, the same Computational Fluid Dynamics approach is used to perform wind analysis of two different types of long span cable stayed bridges and the results are compared with the wind tunnel test results available in the literature. One is having novel twin box girder section and other is having streamlined box girder section. FLUENT module is used to perform wind analysis of cable stayed bridges. Further, the effect of consideration of cables in analysis is studied for cable stayed bridge structure.