Equivalent Wind Loads of Long span Arch Bridges

Abstract:

Based on some engineering practices of long span arch bridges in China, static wind loading of a typical arch rid by using segmental evaluation method and the equivalent static wind loading with respective to the buffeting and vortex induced vibration by using the inertial load method were investigated, as well as the comprehensive evaluation of total wind loading for the arch rib and main deck was conducted. Results show that the segmental evaluation method is reasonable and practical in evaluating static wind loading of arch ribs, and the modified Reynolds Number formulas are benefit to predict static wind loading for prototype bridges including the components of arch rib with circular cross section. Combination forms of different equivalent wind loadings were employed to analyze and evaluate the wind loading effect in different regions of a long span arch bridge.

Key words:long span arch bridge; equivalent wind loading; segmental evaluation method; Reynolds number; buffeting; vortex induced vibration; comprehensive evaluation