Ensuring the aerodynamic stability of the long-span bridges through studies in the wind tunnel

Abstract

The main ideas of the aerodynamic studies of large bridges are presented in present paper. Main types of aero-elastic instability for bridges with spans over 100 meters are considered. A two-step modeling approach is presented. At the first stage, the aerodynamic characteristics of the span fragment are considered, at the second.stage the characteristics of the whole bridge. Methods for investigation of bridge oscillations in a special-purpose experimental facility-the Landscape Wind Tunnel-are described. Examples of tests with elastic similar models of bridges are given, and measurements to mitigate dangerous oscillations early in the bridge design process are described.