The validity of 2D numerical simulations of vortical structures around a bridge deck

This paper deals with a computational study for evaluating the capability of 2D numerical simulation for predicting the vertical structure around a quasibluff bridge deck. The laminar form, a number of RANS equation models, and the LES approach are evaluated. The study was applied to the deck section of the Great Belt East Bridge. The results are compared with wind-tunnel data and previously conducted computational simulations. Sensitivity of the results with regard to the computational approaches applied for each model is discussed. Finally, the study confirms the importance of safety-barrier modelling in the analysis of bridge aerodynamics. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.