Precision of predicted 3D numerical solutions of vortex-induced oscillation for bridge girders with span-wise varying geometry

Abstract

A method of numerical analysis without conducting 3D wind tunnel model tests was examined in our previous study for predicting vortex-induced oscillation of bridge girders with span-wise varying geometry. The aerodynamic damping forces measured for plural wind tunnel 2D models were used in the analysis. A further study was conducted to examine the precision of solution obtained by this method. First, the responses of vortex-induced oscillation of two rocking models and a taut-strip bridge girder model with span-wise varying geometry were measured. Next, the responses of these models were numerically analyzed by means of this method, and then a comparison was made between the obtained <TEX>$Vr-A-{\delta}_a$</TEX> contour diagram of each 3D model in the wind tunnel test and the diagram in the numerical analysis. Since close correlations were observed between each two <TEX>$Vr-A-{\delta}_a$</TEX>diagrams obtained in the model test and in the analysis in cases where the 3D model did not have strong three-dimensionality, our findings revealed that the predicted solution proved to be reasonably accurate.