Wind-induced vibrations and suppression measures of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge

Abstract

A series of wind tunnel tests, including 1:50 sectional model tests, 1:50 free-standing bridge tower tests and 1:70 full-bridge aeroelastic model tests were carried out to systematically investigate the aerodynamic performance of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB). The test result indicates that there are three wind-resistant safety issues the HZMB encounters, including unacceptable low flutter critical wind speed, vertical vortex-induced vibration (VIV) of the main girder and galloping of the bridge tower in across-wind direction. Wind-induced vibration of HZMB can be effectively suppressed by the application of aerodynamic and mechanical measures. Acceptable flutter critical wind speed is achieved by optimizing the main girder form (before: large cantilever steel box girder, after: streamlined steel box girder) and cable type (before: central cable, after: double cable); The installations of wind fairing, guide plates and increasing structural damping are proved to be useful in suppressing the VIV of the HZMB; The galloping can be effectively suppressed by optimizing the interior angle on the windward side of the bridge tower. The present works provide scientific basis and guidance for wind resistance design of the HZMB.