Structural Response Analysis and Fatigue Damage Estimation of a Floating Bridge Subjected to Inhomogeneous Wave Loads

Abstract

In this paper, a computational study of the structural responses of a floating bridge for crossing of the Bjørnafjord in Norway is presented. The study employs an idealized floating bridge model developed based on the phase 3 design concept which comprises a very long, straight and side-anchored floating bridge. Due to the very long span and complex topology, the local wind waves exhibit some inhomogeneities. This study investigates the effects of inhomogeneous wave loads on the global responses of the floating bridge. The structural responses of both the bridge girders and the mooring lines are presented and discussed. In addition, the short-term fatigue damage induced by inhomogeneous wave loads in the mooring lines is also evaluated.