Strait Bridge Research Articles

Super-long-span bridges: wind-resistant design developments and open issues

Suspension bridges with spans exceeding 1500 m were only achieved in 1998 with completion of the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in Japan and the Great Belt Bridge in Denmark. The most recent record is the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge in Turkey, with a main span of 2023 m. A slightly longer bridge is currently under construction in China and significantly greater spans are in planning, such as the Messina Strait Bridge, aiming for an impressive 3300 m span connecting Sicily with mainland Italy. Three critical challenges associated with such ambitious designs are addressed in this article. The first challenge centres on the significance of vortex-induced vibrations, particularly in multi-box girders. The prediction of these vibrations before construction relies on wind tunnel tests with scaled-down models characterised by inherent uncertainties. The second issue involves non-synoptic winds, such as downbursts. Although these events are relatively small and short-lived, they have a non-negligible probability of occurrence on large structures and may induce damage and loss of serviceability due to their intensity and the presence of vertical velocity components. Finally, the importance of robust design practices is underlined, emphasising the potential risks of relying solely on aerodynamic cross-section optimisation without providing additional structural stiffness and damping resources in these critical structures.

Seismic Reduction Analysis of Super-Long Span Suspension Bridge with Lattice Composite Tower and Damping System: A Case of Study for Qiongzhou Strait Bridge

In this paper, we proposed a lattice composite tower damping system to reduce the seismic response of super-long-span suspension bridges. Taking the QiongZhou strait bridge as a case study, we evaluated seismic performances through a finite element analysis (FEA) and shaking-table tests. First, the seismic responses of a super-long-span suspension bridge with or without a lattice composite tower to far-fault and near-fault earthquakes were analyzed and compared. The influence of the lattice composite tower on the dynamic characteristics and seismic performance was then investigated using shaking-table tests. Finally, the influences of different damping systems on the seismic response were evaluated, considering factors such as the damper type, damper arrangement scheme and design parameters. The results indicated that lattice composite tower could significantly increase the seismic performance of super-long span suspension bridge, while the optimal damping system could markedly improve the energy dissipation ability of whole system. Subsequently, this could provide references to enhance the seismic safety of the super-long span suspension bridge under strong earthquakes.

Time domain nonlinear kinematic seismic response of composite caisson-piles foundation for bridge in deep water

As a new type of bridge foundation in deep water, the composite caisson-piles foundation (CCPF) is inevitability suffered from multiple hazards such as earthquake, scouring and erosion, especially for sea-crossing bridges in ocean environment. In this study, a simplified method in time domain is proposed for predicting the nonlinear kinematic seismic response of CCPF and the effect of scouring on the seismic response is investigated. The proposed method is verified by the results of centrifuge shaking-table tests. It is found that compared with frequency domain method, the proposed time domain method can give good estimations of the acceleration and the displacement of the CCPF, especially at high frequencies. Moreover, the kinematic seismic response of CCPF designed for the Qiongzhou Strait Bridge is analyzed. The results indicate that the proposed model can effectively simulate the soil nonlinearity, and the soil nonlinearity significantly affects the kinematic seismic response of CCPF, especially the acceleration and displacement time histories. Finally, the scouring effect is considered by an analytical model and the performance of the CCPF under combined earthquake and scouring is investigated.

Flutter Analysis of The Sunda Strait Suspension Bridge

Economic movements in Indonesia and the logistics and distribution systems that accompany them are highly dependent on road transportation modes. On the other hand, the islands of Sumatra and Java are the centers of concentration for the Indonesian economy where the number of people inhabiting the two islands reaches 80% of the total population of Indonesia. In order to accelerate development and increase the economic integration of Java and Sumatra, it is necessary to build the Sunda Strait Bridge. The main bridge considered incudes the long span suspension bridge. At present, the planning and construction of the long bridge including suspension bridge was greatly affected by the failure of the Taccoma Narrow Bridge on 7 November 1944. Due to the wind load, the bridge structure shook until it finally collapsed. Although the cause of the collapse was not immediately known, it is currently concluded that it was caused by a single degree of freedom torsional flutter caused by self-excited wind load. This phenomenon is classified as an aerodynamic phenomenon on long span bridges. The flutter analysis performed on the Sunda Strait Suspension Bridge using the Direct Flutter Analysis method will be presented in this paper.

Biogeography and diversification of Old World buntings (Aves: Emberizidae): radiation in open habitats

The Old World buntings (Aves: Emberizidae) mainly inhabit open habitats in Eurasia and Africa. It has long been debated whether the group originated in the New World or the Old World and whether their radiation is related to the expansion of open habitats and shifts in migratory behaviours. To answer these questions, we reconstructed their biogeographic histories and analysed their diversification patterns in terms of time, space and traits using a near‐complete phylogeny. We found the most recent common ancestor of Emberizidae and their sisters distributed in the New World. After invasion into the eastern Palearctic through the Bering Straits Bridge in the middle Miocene, subsequent loss of migrations probably split Emberizidae into two lineages: one radiated in Afrotropical deserts and savannah and the other mainly diversified in Palearctic semi‐open to open forests, the mountains of Central Asia and the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau. This group began to diversify in the late Miocene (~10 Ma), at first rapidly, coinciding with the expansion of open habitats due to global cooling. As the available habitats were occupied, the diversification rate of buntings decreased rapidly in arid habitats, but shifts of habitat preference to open forests led to terminal radiations on the southern edge of taiga forests in the mountains of Central Asia and the eastern Palearctic. Our results provide insight into the biogeographic histories and radiation of the Old World buntings in open habitats.

Analysis of Modal Characteristics of Long-Span Suspension Bridges with Ruled Surface Spatial Cables

In this paper, new concepts of single-leaf hyperboloid spatial cable suspension bridges and hyperbolic parabolic spatial cable suspension bridges are proposed. Combined with the 4000 m long-span Messina Strait Bridge, dynamic modal analyses of the spatial cable suspension bridges are carried out. The results show that the spatial suspension bridges have a torsional vibration mode appearing much later, a torsional-bending frequency ratio greatly improved, a critical wind speed for flutter greatly improved, and better wind stability, as compared with the parallel suspension bridge.

Wave characteristics and spectrum for Pingtan Strait Bridge location

Abstract In order to obtain the wave forces on the substructure and superstructure of the sea-crossing bridge, this paper develops a systematic series of wave spectra covering a variety of spectral shapes observed in the bridge site area of Pingtan Strait Bridge. Error identification of wave data and data reconstruction using the orthogonal matching pursuit of compressive sensing algorithm are conducted to obtain the stable and accurate water level data firstly. The characteristic of the wave is then evaluated, and the joint distribution of significant wave height and average wave period is investigated using copula models. A family of wave spectra is proposed to represent a set of 7084 spectra measured at the 6# platform of the Pingtan Strait bridge site. Analytical results show that the proposed wave spectra family (Pingtan spectra) can represent the realistic wave spectra, and the Pingtan spectra characteristic can also reflect the diversity and randomness of the realistic wave spectrum. Application of the wave spectra suggests using the proposed spectra to calculate the wave force on the structure of the Pingtan Strait Bridge location.

A co-simulation method for the analysis of train running performance on a sea-crossing bridge in crosswind environment

When a train crosses a bridge in a crosswind environment, the coupled vibration problem of the train-bridge system becomes prominent, and train safety and riding comfort are difficult to guarantee. Therefore, using the Pingtan Strait bridge in China as a case study, a co-simulation platform for the train-bridge system coupled vibration in crosswind environments was established based on computational fluid dynamics, finite element method, and the multi-body system dynamics. Based on this platform, dynamic response analysis of the train-bridge system was performed at different wind and train speeds. The results indicate that the dynamic response of the train and bridge under double-line conditions is greater than that under single-line conditions. With an increase in wind speed, the mid-span vertical displacement of the bridge changes little, while the lateral displacement increases significantly. Meanwhile, with increasing wind and train speeds, the train dynamic indexes obviously increase. Moreover, the dynamic index of the head car is the largest among all the train sections.

Responses of caisson-piles foundations to long-term cyclic lateral load and scouring

Abstract The caisson-piles composite foundation is considered as a viable alternative to caisson foundations for the Qiongzhou Strait bridge. It can significantly reduce the caisson height by connecting the lower grouped piles to the upper caisson and improve its mechanical behaviour under lateral loading. A series of model tests are conducted at 1 g to investigate the cyclic responses as well as the coupled cyclic and scouring responses of the caisson-piles composite foundation under 10,000 cycles. The cyclic responses of the caisson-4 piles composite foundation are compared with those of a conventional caisson, including various cyclic load characteristics, i.e., one-way, asymmetric two-way and symmetric two-way cyclic loading. Two scour depths and two cyclic load amplitudes for the one-way cyclic loading are applied in the coupled tests. A framework to predict the accumulated deformation of the caisson-piles composite foundation due to cyclic loading and scouring is developed. It is found that the accumulated residual displacements or rotations are dependent on the applied cyclic load characteristic and scour depth, and the most onerous loading condition is between one-way and symmetric two-way loading. The effect of scouring can be rationally assessed using a modified cyclic load level, replacing the static capacity by the post-scour static capacity.

About Some Environmental Consequences of Kerch Strait Bridge Construction

After the annexation of the Crimean peninsula by the Russian Federation, the construction of the Kerch bridge crossing, which has not been coordinated with Ukraine, has been started, which in the near future may lead to the destruction of the unique flora and fauna of the Black and Azov Seas. The results of the Kerch Strait Bridge construction consequences for the environment are presented. The main sources of data were the materials of remote sensing (RS), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), European Space Agency (ESA), US Geological Survey (USGS), literary sources, as well as the results of Tuzla Island survey carried out before the beginning of construction. The data regarding ecologic and hydrologic situation caused by the Kerch Strait Bridge construction were processed for the period between 2014 and 2017. An expert evaluation was conducted to determine the damage caused to Ukraine as a result of the construction of the Kerch Bridge, as well as the gathering of evidences upon violations of Ukrainian and international legislation for further consideration in international courts. The conclusion about significant changes in the water regime of the Kerch Strait and the entire Sea of Azov was made.

The cross-regional effect of the construction of the Kerch Strait Bridge at the level of the Temryuk District of the Krasnodar Krai: Scenarios and prospects

The cross-regional effect of the construction of the Kerch Strait Bridge at the level of the Temryuk District of the Krasnodar Krai: Scenarios and prospects

Evaluation of the Static and Dynamic Behaviors of Long-Span Suspension Bridges with FRP Cables

AbstractTo overcome the limitations of traditional long-span suspension bridges with steel cables, the mechanical behavior of suspension bridges with various fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) and hybrid FRP cables have been investigated comprehensively. The authors adopted a prototype of the proposed Messina Strait Bridge with a main span of 3,300 m to use as a suspension bridge model for analysis. The static and dynamic behaviors of the entire suspension bridge with steel and different FRP cables were analyzed by using the finite-element method. The results indicate that the application of FRP cables in a long-span suspension bridge benefits the spanning ability, improves the load-carrying efficiency, and reduces the axial force of the cable. The modal analysis results show that the long-span suspension bridge with cables of different materials have similar mode shapes, although the natural frequencies of the bridges with FRP cables are larger than that of the bridge with steel cable because of lower self-w...

Forecasting Demand on Mega Infrastructure Projects: Increasing Financial Feasibility

Indonesia is a country with large and dynamic economic activities reflected by an average economic growth reaching 6% per annum. Sunda Street Bridge (SSB) is one of the mega projects offered by the Indonesia government that would spend about US$ 25 billion. In line with the SSB main function as an efficient mean for transporting people and goods between two major islands in Indonesia, potential additional functions have been explored including installation of liquid and gas pipes, fiber optics, industrial area development and renewable energy utilization. This research establishes the approach to forecast demand in the case of conceptual design. The SSB is associated with innovations to determine the functions using value engineering methods. The approach involves forecasting demand with a System Dynamics simulation model that could provide a reliable estimate and generate scenarios to compare the financial feasibility of the project before and after the process involving innovation of project functions. Analysis involving demand forecasting with the System Dynamics Approach has confirmed that the Sunda Strait Bridge development with additional functions would increase the revenues of the overall project up to US$61.59 Million, in order to obtain an increased Internal Rate of Return (IRR) of the overall project up to 7.56% with a positive Net Present Value (NPV).

Design of large deflection cable locator for the third Bosphorus Strait bridge in Turkey

Design of large deflection cable locator for the third Bosphorus Strait bridge in Turkey

FINANCIAL FEASIBILITY OF THE SUNDA STRAIT BRIDGE CONCEPTUAL DESIGN USING THE VALUE ENGINEERING METHOD

Sunda Strait Bridge (SSB) is a mega-infrastructure project offered by the Indonesian government, expected to contribute to national economic growth by bridging economic connectivity between two major islands in Indonesia. At first, SSB construction was offered as a US$10 billion project in 2010. Then in 2011 it was revised into a US$25 billion project with additional scope of work, i.e., industrial area development along the site. Yet it was still unattractive to private investors due to a lack of technical and financial feasibility. Thus, the Value Engineering (VE) approach was used to increase and improve the project’s feasibility by generating innovative ideas. Innovation through additional functions for SSB development is comprised of: 1) development of renewable energy-based power plant by using tidal and wind power; 2) integration of oil and gas pipelines; (3) fiber-optic pipelines; 4) tourism development in Sangiang Island accessed by either road bridge or hanging train; and 5) development of industrial area. The life-cycle cost analysis by IRR and NPV approaches confirmed that SSB development with additional functions increased the internal rate of return of the overall project up to 7.26% and had a positive NPV.

Vortex induced vibrations of a bridge deck: Dynamic response and surface pressure distribution

This paper describes selected results collected during the wind tunnel tests carried out at Politecnico di Milano Wind Tunnel on the deck sectional model of the Messina Strait Bridge. It is a long span suspension bridge characterized by a multi box deck. Aerodynamic forces and surface pressure distributions have been measured in order to characterize static and dynamic response of the deck. Vortex induced vibrations phenomenon has been studied with particular attention: it represents one of the most important aspects to be considered while designing the deck shape of long span bridges and it has to be carefully analyzed. In fact, even if it can be separated from the stability problem for the modern bridges, VIV, in case of low Scruton numbers, can lead the deck to reach very large vibration amplitudes, also at very low wind speeds.

Monte Carlo analysis of total damping and flutter speed of a long span bridge: Effects of structural and aerodynamic uncertainties

Monte-Carlo simulations are a well-established methodology to numerically assess the effect of variations of both mechanical and aerodynamic parameters on the aeroelastic stability of a suspended bridge. In this research paper we use this statistical approach to present a design methodology for the assessment of long span aeroelastic behavior that considers not only the flutter velocity as a unique safety index, as it is common practice, but also the trend of the total damping as a function of the wind velocity. Specifically, several significant in-service conditions are considered. Indeed, wind velocities at in-service conditions are events with a probability much higher than flutter condition, and in these cases a reliability analysis represents an added value in the design process. Therefore the statistical analysis of total damping at in-service conditions is suggested as a useful tool to judge the performance of a structure especially for those structures where the wind–structure interaction represents the capital aspect of the overall design as it happens for the very long span bridges. Given the probability distribution of the input parameters, the Monte Carlo simulations allows one to statistically investigate the aeroelastic stability of the structure, in terms of range of variation of the total damping and flutter velocity, through an eigenvalue analysis. It is also possible to state the probability of not matching the design technical specification and the probability of being in a certain prescribed variation band. The mathematical and statistical background of the design methodology are presented and a case of study is analyzed with reference to the Messina Straits Bridge. The test case was chosen to stress the methodology with a challenging design, where extreme structural and aerodynamic solutions are implemented to reach a main span length of 3300 m and where the performances of the structure are deeply bounded to the reliability of the aeroelastic design.

Enhancing Value for Money of Mega Infrastructure Projects Development Using Value Engineering Method

Infrastructure development plays an important role to stimulate the nation's economic growth. During 2011, infrastructure industry contributed 5.5% to the GDP of Indonesia with real growth of 9.3%. Two mega infrastructure projects have been developed in the past few years: Sunda Strait Bridge (SSB) to connect Sumatra and Java Islands, thus increase economic integration between the two major islands, and; Soekarno-Hatta International Rail Link (SHIARL) as an alternative mass transportation which is expected to provide accessibility and mobility for people and goods around Greater Jakarta area to the airport. The two mega infrastructure projects listed in MP3EI program in 2011 required comprehensive study in the aspects of planning, funding, and techniques of projects developments. This research is proposed to produce a conceptual design of SSB and SHIARL in order to gain maximum result and generate added values to the projects. This research employed a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods through questionnaire survey distributed to the related stakeholders of the projects and focus group discussion (FGD). The results identified additional functions for innovation to both mega infrastructure projects. Life cycle cost analysis confirmed that there is an increasing in value for money from the additional functions in respective projects.

Predicting the seismic behaviour of the foundations of the Messina Strait Bridge

This paper presents some of the geotechnical studies carried out for the seismic design of the one-span suspension bridge across the Messina Strait, that is to connect Sicily with mainland Italy. These studies included advanced geotechnical characterisation, through in situ and laboratory tests, estimate of site stability involving both liquefaction analysis and submerged slope stability, evaluation of soil-foundation stiffness for spectral analysis of the superstructure, 3D FE static calculations, evaluation of anchor block performance under seismic conditions, and full dynamic analyses of the soil–structure interaction. The paper summarises the main results obtained from the geotechnical characterisation of the foundation soils, reports the approach adopted for evaluating the seismic performance of the anchor blocks through a modified Newmark-type calculation, and presents the study of the soil–structure interaction carried out through a series of two-dimensional, plane strain numerical analyses. In these analyses, in addition to the embedded foundation elements, the models included a simplified structural description of the bridge towers specifically designed to reproduce their first vibrations modes, that were deemed to have the most significant influence on the system’s dynamic response. The illustration is limited to the foundation systems of the bridge located on the Sicily shore.

Soil–structure interaction for the seismic design of the Messina Strait Bridge

Abstract This paper illustrates an approach to the study of the seismic soil–structure interaction that was developed at the verification stage of the design of the Messina Strait Bridge in order to validate its seismic behaviour. It consisted of a series of two-dimensional, plane strain numerical analyses on models that included, in addition to the embedded foundation elements, a simplified structural description of the bridge towers: simplified structural models were specifically designed to reproduce the first vibrations modes of the towers, that were deemed to have the most significant influence on the system's dynamic response. Non-linear dynamic analyses were carried out in the time domain, studying the effects of two different natural records, each characterised by three orthogonal components of the soil motion. In the first part of the paper, essential information is provided about the foundations layout, the main properties of the foundation soil resulting from the in situ and laboratory investigation, and the assessment of the liquefaction potential. Then, the numerical models are discussed in some detail, with an emphasis on the modelling of the soil and of the structural elements. For sake of conciseness, details are provided only for one of the two shores. The results obtained with the present approach shed some light on the complex coupling between the soil's and the structure's behaviour, evidencing the significant role that the embedded, massive foundations of the bridge play in the dynamic response of the system. The computed time-histories of the displacements of the foundation elements are used to assess the seismic performance of the bridge.