Interpretation of field observations of wind- and rain-wind-induced stay cable vibrations

Wind- and rain-wind-induced vibrations have been a long-standing and frequent problem for the stays of cable-stayed bridges. This paper summarizes characteristics of wind- and rain-wind-induced vibrations observed during two long-term full-scale measurement efforts. Based on these characteristics, and their relationship to the ambient meteorological environment (wind and rainfall), several distinct types of vibration are identified. The potential connection between the prevalent, large-amplitude, rain-wind-induced vibration and a type of large-amplitude dry cable vibration is explored. The characteristics of these large-amplitude vibrations are also compared to those of the classical Kármán-vortex-induced vibration, which provides considerable insight into the mechanisms of wind- and rain-wind-induced stay cable vibrations.