General Expression of LRC Method in Estimation of Bridge's Equivalent Static Wind Load

Abstract

According to the relationship between load and response, the equivalent static wind load (ESWL) of a structure can be estimated by load-response correlation (LRC) method, which can be accurately used to estimate the background ESWL of a structure. The derivation of the classical expression of LRC formula is based on a specific command response at a critical position, and the ESWL distribution has only one form in this case. In this paper, a general expression of LRC formula is derived based on a specific command response at all positions. For the general expression, ESWLs can be expressed by load-response correlation coefficients, response-response correlation coefficients, RMS values of the fluctuating wind loads, and peak factor in the form of matrices. By comparing the expressions of LRC method, it was found that the classical expression was only one form of the general one. The general expression which introduces the response-response correlation coefficients provided more options for structural engineers to estimate ESWLs and offered further insights into the LRC method. Finally, a cable-stayed bridge, a rigid three span continuous girder bridge, and a suspension bridge were used to verify the correctness of the general expression of LRC method.