Wind Dynamic Assessment Methods for Medium-span Bridges: A comprehensive review of empirical and numerical approaches

Abstract

Generally, bridge engineers are unfamiliar with wind dynamics as it falls in-between the fields of structural engineering and fluid dynamics. Therefore, there is a need to summarize the field in a digestible manner. Procedures for wind dynamic assessments of medium-span bridges (e.g. bridges with longest spans of 50 to 200 metres) are investigated by studying both the current norm in Sweden, and an international alternative. A quick reference guide for wind dynamic assessment is developed, simplifying the procedure for bridge engineers. It offers significant time savings, especially in early stages of design, and it can prevent unexpected issues in later stages. However, to verify its reliability large scale testing on bridges is recommended. Additionally, possibilities of further analysis using computational fluid dynamics is investigated. Simulation data show some promising results and with further development, the methodology could provide better estimations than the norm. Conclusively, two useful tools for wind dynamic assessment of bridges are developed, and with further work, application in practice is possible for both methods.