Effects of Partial Streamlining on Aerodynamic Response of Bridge Decks

Abstract

The aerodynamic response of long‐span suspended and cable‐stayed bridges can be significantly improved by streamlining the deck geometry. In some cases, a full streamlining may not be practical and, as a compromise, partial streamlining is considered. The present technical note is concerned with the aerodynamic response of the deck of a cable‐stayed bridge. The results of a wind‐tunnel study employing a section model of the deck are presented. The experimental data include the deck response in heave and flow patterns about the stationary and oscillating decks. The effects of modification of the deck geometry (addition of streamlining fairings and removal of traffic barriers) on the vortex‐induced response of the deck are discussed. It is shown that partial streamlining of the deck geometry may result in an increase in the deck aerodynamic response.