Experimental and CFD Investigations of the Megane Multi-box Bridge Deck Aerodynamic Characteristics

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The shape of bridge deck sections used for long-span suspension bridges has evolved through the years, from the compact box deck girders, to twin box and multi-box decks sections, which proved to have better aerodynamic behaviour, and to bring economic advantages on the construction material usage side. This thesis presents a study of a new type of multi-box bridge deck for the Megane Bridge, consisting of two side decks for traffic lanes, and two middle decks for railway traffic, connected using stabilizing beams. Aerodynamic static force coefficient measurements were performed on a section model with a scale of 1:80, for Reynolds numbers up to 5.1 × 105 under angles of attack from -10° to 10°. Also there-dimensional CFD simulations were performed by employing a Large Eddy Simulation (LES) algorithm with a standard Smagorinsky subgrid-scale model, for Re = 9.3 × 107 and angles of attack 𝛼= -4°, -2°, 0°, 2° and 4°. The experimental and numerical results were compared with respect to accuracy, sensitivity, and practical suitability. Furthermore, the aerodynamic character for each individual decks including static coefficients, wind flow pattern and pressure distribution were studied through CFD simulation. ILS (Iterative Least Squares) method was applied to extract the flutter derivatives of Megane section model based on the results obtained from free vibration tests for evaluating the flutter stability. A comparison of the flutter derivatives was carried out between bridges with different deck configurations and the results are included in this thesis.

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