A model for nonlinear buffeting of long-span suspension bridges: application to a real structure

This work accounts for the large-scale turbulence effects in the buffeting response of a long-span suspension bridge through a time-variant model. Such a nonlinear approach is based on the 2D RFA model for self-excited forces and considers their spatio-temporal variation with the angle of attack. The model is applied to the Hardanger Bridge in Norway, considering the realistic wind field expected at the bridge site and two alternative scenarios. The results emphasize the significant impact on the buffeting response and flutter stability of considering time-variant self-excited forces.