New frontiers in aerodynamic tailoring of long span bridges: an advanced analysis framework

Abstract

Significant developments in bridge aeroelastic analysis have been made utilizing realistic aerodynamic force modeling for bridges with bluff sections under turbulent winds. With these developments as a background, this paper highlights state-of-the-art developments in the aeroelastic analysis and identifies new frontiers in aerodynamic tailoring of long span bridges. Challenges in the aeroelastic analysis are pointed out that include: the modeling of aerodynamic forces excited by non-stationary wind fields such as hurricanes and thunderstorms and/or for bridges located in complex topography conditions; consideration of nonlinearities in both structural dynamics and aerodynamics; and the ubiquitous issues related to turbulence. In response to these challenges, an advanced analysis framework is offered that focuses on the needs for modeling of aerodynamic and structural nonlinearities, and the effects of turbulence on long span bridges.