Journal of Engineering Research
Abstract
This paper investigates the behavior of flexible bridges prone to aerodynamic instabilities due to wind. Optimal cross-sections that reduce aerodynamic forces are recommended. This is achieved by studying a variety of bridge sections with different widths of upper and lower sloping edges in addition to studying the upper and lower cramps of the deck. The wind velocities are also parameterized. Computations are developed based on the powerful computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method known as FLUENT and embedded in ANSYS software. For parametric study, a design of experiments (DOE) is performed based on the response surface methodology (RSM) combined with the central composite design (CCD). Thus, the effects of the previously mentioned parameters on the aerodynamic forces; drag force, lift force and moment are studied. The parametric study extended to investigate the variations of pressure and velocities occurring on the bridge deck. This study gives a sufficient insight of the bridge aerodynamic instability. The detailed comparison of this aerodynamic behavior of different cross-sections with different wind velocities give the engineers good foundation for the design of bridge structures. The DOE concludes, then, to selected designs, candidates, that fulfill the optimal design of the bridge deck. Results show that optimized deck shapes of bridges remarkably reduce the forces on the bridge.
Recommended Citation
Zaki, Manal Kamal; Helmy, Mina M.; and Tawadros, Mark M.
(2024)
"Optimization of the Cross-section of Generic Flexible Bridges,"
Journal of Engineering Research: Vol. 8:
Iss.
6, Article 28.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.aaru.edu.jo/erjeng/vol8/iss6/28
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