Evaluation of Multimode Coupled Bridge Response and Equivalent Static Wind Loading

This study addresses recent developments on the evaluation of multimode coupled bridge response and modeling of equivalent static wind loading on bridges when subjected to strong winds. First, the coupled bridge flutter is studied with an emphasis placed on the participation of structural modes in flutter, not only based on their amplitudes in flutter motion, but more importantly, by delving into their contributions to flutter modal damping. The bimodal coupled flutter is then revisited based on a framework with closedform formulations that sheds more insights to the underlying physics of coupled flutter. This discussion was followed by a unified analysis framework of integrating both flutter and buffeting analysis that better points out the roles of both self-excited and buffeting forces on bridge response to wind fluctuations. Finally, the methodology for modeling equivalent static wind loading associated with multimode coupled buffeting is discussed with applications to bridge design.