Wind-induced Dynamic Response and Aeroelastic Stability of a Suspension Bridge crossing Sognefjorden

Abstract

This thesis is a feasibility study, with regards to aerodynamic stability, about the possibility of constructing a suspension bridge with a main span of 3700m over the Sogne Fjord in Norway. The design wind velocity for the Sogne Bridge is 64.2 m/s. A preliminary design is conducted to find the approximate dimensions for the bridge models with different cross sections. These bridges are then modeled in Abaqus in order to find the natural frequencies, vibration modes and mass properties. The key to calculating the critical velocity of the models is to include the aerodynamic derivatives of the cross sections. A Matlab program has the aerodynamic derivatives, natural frequencies, vibration modes and mass properties as input. With this information the program is able to calculate the multimode flutter velocity of the models. Also, a response calculation is executed in order to see how the different models behave under serviceability wind velocity. This gives a better picture of which models are most applicable. The results show that to apply a slotted box girder improves the flutter velocity, and all the models with this type of cross-section have a stability limit above the design velocity. For a single box girder, the structural measure of using a mono-cable instead of the traditional two-cable bridge geometry increases the critical wind velocity to above the design velocity. All the models satisfy the serviceability response requirements.