Hydrodynamic performance of a continuous floating bridge with heave plates

Abstract

This paper establishes a two-dimensional mathematical model of a continuous floating bridge with heave plates under linear monochromatic waves. Based on linear potential flow theory, the fluid domain is divided into two regions. The analytical equations for the rigid floating bridge considering the heave plate effect are derived from the boundary conditions. The wave force, added mass and damping coefficient, and response amplitude operator (RAO) are calculated via the matched eigenfunction expansion method (MEEM). The influence of the number and size of heave plates on bridge hydrodynamic performance is analyzed, and the New Lacey V. Murrow Memorial Bridge is taken as an example for optimization. The results show that heave plates have a significant impact on the hydrodynamic performance of the floating structure. An increase in the number and length of heave plates makes the roll and roll resonance frequency approach the high-frequency area, while the heave is opposite. Compared with increasing the number of heave plates, the heave response can be maintained at a relatively low level over a wider wavelength range by increasing heave plate length. Heave plate length is a more sensitive parameter during optimization.