Influence of Wind Speed, Wind Direction and Turbulence Model for Bridge Hanger: A Case Study

Wind field (e.g., wind speed and wind direction) has the characteristics of randomness, nonlinearity, and uncertainty, which can be critical and even destructive on a long-span bridge's hangers, such as vortex shedding, galloping, and flutter. Nowadays, the finite element method is widely used for model calculation, such as in long-span bridges and high-rise buildings. In this study, the investigated bridge hanger model was established by COMSOL Multiphysics software, which can calculate fluid dynamics (CFD), solid mechanics, and fluid-solid coupling. Regarding the wind field of bridge hangers, the influence of CFD models, wind speed, and wind direction are investigated. Specifically, the bridge hanger structure has symmetrical characteristics, which can greatly reduce the calculation efficiency. Furthermore, the von Mises stress of bridge hangers is calculated based on fluid-solid coupling.