Application of numerical methods in the estimation of design wind velocity for bridges in mountainous areas

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the application of numerical simulation methods in determining the design wind speed for large-span bridges situated in mountainous terrain. Compared to isolated mountains, the simulation of continuous mountain is more complex and often requires a larger computational domain. This implies that excessively high terrain model resolution can compromise computational resources. However, existing studies lack insights into selecting the optimal size of terrain extent, terrain model resolution, as well as the form of truncation curve. In this study, the impacts of terrain model resolution and size of terrain extent are discussed. In addition, the results from various transitional sections are compared against field measurement data. The results show that the UBTS transitional section form with the terrain resolution of 300 m and a diameter of 30 km of the mountain terrain can yield a reasonable simulation result at the bridge site. Furthermore, the research adopts the Xingkang bridge as a case study to outline the steps of determine the design wind speed for mountain bridges. The findings of this research offer valuable guidance for an appropriate numerical method in the practical engineering applications in determining the design wind speed for bridges in mountainous areas.