Wind-Induced Dynamic Response of a Pedestrian Bridge in Riyadh
Posted on June 10, 2015
Windtech Consultants recently completed a wind tunnel study for a pedestrian bridge in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Testing was carried out using both a dynamic and a static test rig. It is sufficient for this type of bridge to perform a test on a typical section model, incorporating the relative stiffness in both torsion and lift in the dynamic test rig. Windtech modelled all the aerodynamic properties of the bridge section down to the effect of the porous fence on the sides. Additionally, the dynamic properties were correctly modelled based on the latest dynamic properties. The dynamic test rig showed that there are no aerodynamic instabilities for wind speeds up to the equivalent of a once in 10,000 year event.
We were informed that the main suspended cable and hangars are to be regarded as non-structural. Nevertheless, the effect of these as well as the towers were included in the final load cases.
