Experimental study of wind–rain-induced cable vibration using a new model setup scheme

Abstract

Wind–rain tunnel test of cable section model is one of the effective ways to explore mechanism of wind-rain-induced cable vibration and its mitigation. However, most of previous model setup schemes consider vertical vibration of cable only, in which the restoring force comes from the springs that perpendicularly support the cable model at its two ends. In this short communication, a new setup scheme for experimental study of wind–rain-induced cable vibration is presented. It can simulate both horizontal and vertical vibrations of the cable, in which the restoring force of the cable model comes from cable tension forces as in the prototype cable. Furthermore, the new setup can be easily adjusted for different cable inclinations and yaw angles. The frequency equation of the cable model is first derived to facilitate the design of model setup. Vortex-induced cable vibration, galloping of cable with artificial rivulet and wind–rain-induced cable vibration are then reproduced in wind/wind–rain tunnel using the new setup scheme. The preliminary parameter study, including cable inclination, yaw angle, and rainfall, regarding wind–rain-induced cable vibration is also performed. The effectiveness of vibration control methods, such as increasing damping ratio and twining spiral wire on the cable surface, is finally investigated.