Aeroelastic Analysis of Cable‐Stayed Bridges

The aeroelastic response of cable‐stayed bridges to wind is a complex interaction of aerodynamic loading and coupled structural motion. The present paper presents an empirically based analysis method for such structures, based on a flutter‐derivative formulation. The principal perceived advantage of the approach adopted herein is that the full three‐dimensional complexities of the system may be incorporated, while retaining insight into the physical mechanisms involved. Two examples, covering the erection and completed stages of a twin‐deck structure, are presented and discussed. Correlation of the method with three‐dimensional wind‐tunnel tests is presented. Finally, attention is given to the effects of turbulence in the incoming wind; the flutter‐derivative approach is successfully used to explain phenomena observed in full‐scale tests and in practice.