Aerodynamic Mitigation in Bridges: Open-Jet Testing and Computational Fluid Dynamics

Abstract

With the increase in computational power and software capabilities, there has been an increase in the size of building projects. Specifically, new bridges can be designed with longer spans than older ones. While they are architecturally appealing and provide unparalleled transportation capabilities, the longer and thinner spans lend themselves to multiple aerodynamic problems. These problems include vortex shedding and flutter. Mitigation devices such as spoilers, guide vanes, and fairings can reduce these issues. Typically, wind tunnel tests are performed and are sometimes accompanied by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. Because of the small scale of the test models, Reynolds number scaling may influence the results. The Louisiana State University Windstorm Impact, Science and Engineering (WISE) Open Jet Research facility is employed in this study. The Open Jet is larger than a typical wind tunnel, which reduces the effects of Reynolds number scaling. The model is a 1:20 scale, and the results were compared with data available in the literature. CFD simulations with the k-ω SST closure model are performed, and the results are compared to their experimental counterparts. Solar panels were chosen as aerodynamic mitigation devices to incorporate green energy solutions into infrastructure. The CFD models were run with four different configurations of solar panels, and the configuration producing the best results was modeled in the Open Jet. The bare-deck analysis showed that the Open Jet produced higher mean pressure coefficients than the RANS-based kω-SST model in the top-deck separation zone. Including solar panels in the fourth arrangement induced the best aerodynamics and driver comfort conditions. The panels also reduced the peak pressure coefficient in the top-deck separation zone by 54%.