Vortex-induced Vibration Analysis of a Long-span Arch Bridge

Field measurements on a long-span bridge in Chongqing City, China were used to explore the wind environment’s characteristics; through a simulated three-dimensional wind field around the arch bridge, equations of motion estimates of its amplitude under vortex-induced vibrations were evaluated. By numerical analysis, the vortex-induced vibration responses in completion, and maximum cantilever, states were calculated. The results showed that the critical wind speed for this bridge was far higher than its designed wind speed. The bridge showed good aerodynamic stability and was free from vortex-induced vibration failure. Moreover, its horizontal wind vibration response was greater than those measured vertically and torsionally. The wind resistant stability was mainly controlled by horizontal wind vibration modes.