Comprehensive evaluation of aerodynamic performance of twin-box girder bridges with vertical stabilizers

Abstract

Although vertical central stabilizer (VCS) on long-span cable-supported bridges is one of practical passive aerodynamic countermeasures, the effectiveness of VCS in improving aerodynamic performance is much dependent on the parameters of VCS. Through a series of wind tunnel tests, in present study we investigated the influences of various combinations of six heights and two positions of VCS on three crucial aerodynamic performances (i.e. stationary aerodynamic performance, flutter performance and vortex-induced vibration (VIV) performance) of a twin-box girder suspension bridge. Results show that for the 20% slot width ratio (SWR) bridge, increasing the height of upward VCS (UVCS) has limite..