An experimental validation of a band superposition model of the aerodynamic forces acting on multi-box deck sections

Nonlinear aerodynamic effects on a multi-box deck section are both numerically and experimentally investigated. The basic hypothesis of the band superposition approach, a methodology to model the aeroelastic and buffeting terms of the wind loads acting on a bridge deck, is validated through specific wind tunnel tests on a sectional model. An improved version of the band superposition approach is proposed, introducing a rheological model for high frequency unsteady forces. The numerical model is validated against wind tunnel tests performed by means of an active turbulence generator and a multi-box deck sectional model. Finally, the linear and nonlinear approaches are compared with full scale simulations of the numerical response of a sectional bridge to an incoming real turbulent wind.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► We validate experimentally the band superposition hypothesis for unsteady aerodynamic forces. ► We propose a rheological model for nonlinear unsteady high frequency forces. ► The rheological model is validated against specific wind tunnel tests. ► We compare the results of this nonlinear model with those of a standard linearized model.