Bridge Buffeting by Skew Winds in Erection Stages

Abstract

A theoretical framework for the buffeting analysis of incompleted bridges in the erection stage is first presented. The bounding cases of across‐deck and along‐deck wind flow are then treated. Intermediate considerations of skew winds are shown to be conservatively calculable from the two bounding cases. Flutter derivatives adapted from flat‐plate theory are demonstrated to provide reasonable estimates for the aerodynamic damping involved. Calculated results are compared to an experimental example reported by Kimura in 1991. The study emphasizes the roles of key structural and flow parameters and the accuracy of assessment needed to establish them for use in design evaluations. Earlier contributions to the study of this problem by Tanaka and Kimura are acknowledged.