Suspension bridge response to turbulent wind: Comparison of a new numerical simulation method results with full scale data

The recent projects of new very long span bridges showed the need of important modifications in the bridge design to overcome buffeting and stability aeroelastic problems. Reliable numerical model allowing simulations of the full bridge behaviour in real wind, based on section model experimental data, is a very effective tool for the designer. Aim of this paper is the presentation of a numerical model for the simulation of the dynamic behaviour of a bridge under wind actions. The model adopts a finite element schematiza-tion of the bridge and a new approach for the definition of the aeroelastic forces in turbulent conditions. The paper analyses the possibility of mutual effects of the wind turbulence on the stability limits and of the bridge aeroelasticity on the buffeting response. A comparison between the numerical results with the experimental ones are presented both in smooth flow and in turbulent flow conditions.