Parametric Studies of Bridge Geometric Details and Their Aerodynamic Significance

completed

In Japan, many parametric, aerodynamic studies of various deck geometries and details have been conducted, and the information from such studies has been used heavily in the development of their Wind Design guide for long span bridges. In this country, there has been no such systematic study of geometry/details or cataloging of aerodynamic properties. While in the past some effort has been expended to conduct such activities in the Federal Highway Administration Aerodynamics Laboratory, it has been at a very low-level and progress has been slow. The intent of this project is to initiate a more aggressive program of parametric studies to investigate a variety of generic bridge geometries, actual bridge sections, and structural details.