Aeroelastic instability of long-span suspended bridges: a multi-mode approach

For long-span suspended bridges, the aeroelastic stability analysis performed by means of a rigid section model can be sometimes inadequate, while a multi-mode approach gives better results with only a slightly larger computational burden. In this paper the current design of the proposed bridge on the Messina Strait (main span 3300 m) has been examined taking into account vertical, lateral and torsional modes, both around the dead loads equilibrium configuration and around the average configuration in wind flow. The investigation shows an excellent aeroelastic behaviour of such bridge, confirming the design results. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.