The long way from Teddington (1963) to Cambridge (2013) through 50 years of bridge aerodynamics

This paper presents a review of bridge aerodynamics from the first international wind engineering conference in Teddington (1963) to the present EACWE in Cambridge (2013). A certain attention is also devoted to the research achievements before 1963. The phenomena of interest in bridge aerodynamics are discussed through the milestone papers presented during the various conferences. A few examples of large-amplitude vibrations observed in real structures are also recalled. Moreover, an overview of bridge engineering development in the last 50 years is proposed, highlighting the boost given by the scientific progress in wind engineering. Finally, the major wind tunnel testing facilities and expertise in bridge aerodynamics are revisited.