Experimental investigation on the vortex-induced vibration of an arch steel bridge tower. Issue 233 (February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Shen, Yangfan; Wang, Chaoqun; Yan, Aiguo; Chen, Chao; Yang, Ou; Hua, Xugang
• Is Part Of: Journal of wind engineering and industrial aerodynamics. Issue 233(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Subjects: Arch steel bridge tower -- Wind tunnel test -- Aeroelastic model -- Vortex-induced vibration -- Aerodynamic measures -- Eddy current dampers; Wind-pressure -- Periodicals; Buildings -- Aerodynamics -- Periodicals; Pression du vent -- Périodiques; Constructions -- Aérodynamique -- Périodiques; Buildings -- Aerodynamics; Wind-pressure; Periodicals
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jweia.2022.105291
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0167-6105

Abstract

Abstract: This paper reports the wind tunnel study of the vortex-induced vibration (VIV) of a free-standing steel arch bridge tower with pentagon cross-section. The tests were carried out at different yaw angles β (0°–90°) of wind flow by employing a 1:50 scaled aeroelastic model. A series of aerodynamic measures were studied to mitigate the VIV of the tower at the most unfavorable yaw angle. Effects of turbulence intensity and structural damping on the VIV performance of the tower were evaluated. A sleeve-type eddy current damper (ECD) for increasing the structural damping of aeroelastic model was designed for reserved emergency measures. Experimental results indicate that the VIV occurs for a few yaw angles at wind velocity of 15–18 m/s and the maximum VIV amplitude happens for β = 35°. The aerodynamic measures are effective for some yaw angles but become invalid for other yaw angles. Compared to those in smooth flow, the VIV amplitude drops by 65% for a turbulence intensity of 8.5%. The VIV of the tower can be effectively suppressed by the eddy current damper which provides additional damping to the aeroelastic model. The sleeve-type eddy current damper is shown to be a convenient device to adjust the damping for aeroelastic models. Highlights: VIV of the steel arch tower occurs for the fundamental longitudinal mode. The obvious VIV mitigation effects were observed installing several aerodynamic measures in the 35° yaw angle. The proposed sleeve-type eddy current damper is able to provide additional damping in the aeroelastic model.