Advances in aeroelastic analyses of suspension and cable-stayed bridges

Cross-section shape is an important parameter for the wind response and aeroelastic stability of long span suspension and cable-stayed bridges. Numerical simulation methods have now been developed to a stage where assessment of the effect of practical cross-section shapes on bridge response is possible. The present paper reviews selected numerical simulations carried out for a long-span suspension bridge using finite difference and discrete vortex methods. Comparison of simulations to existing wind tunnel data is discussed. Further, the paper addresses the aerodynamics and structural response of four generic cross-section shapes developed from the well-known plate girder section of the first Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Finally a case study involving the wind response of a 400 m main span cable-stayed bridge is discussed. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.