Aerodynamic Characterization of the 516 Arouca Pedestrian Suspension Bridge over the Paiva River

Given the 516 Arouca pedestrian suspension bridge’s design and characteristics, owner, a municipality, required set of tests in order to evaluate its aerodynamic characteristics dynamic response, aiming at both structural safety user comfort. Wind tunnel were performed over sectional scaled model obtain static coefficients response. The carried out on different bridge configurations—a deck with people an arch for secondary cables (connecting each point catenary opposite side deck)—for coefficients. For only alone was tested. A major challenge had be overcome, as main displacement mode belonged swing movement, assemble wind setting, requiring system allowing displacements. persistent trend small amplitude displacements identified, influencing comfort contributing installation cables, but no instabilities identified.