A full-scale numerical study on aerodynamic force conditions of high sided vehicles on the Queensferry Crossing Bridge

Abstract

Abstract Hazardous wind conditions can lead to critical safety problems for long-span bridges, either through dynamic oscillations or overturning of high sided vehicles. Engineers need to understand the local wind effects to ensure the safety and acceptable performance of bridge infrastructure. Traditionally, aerodynamic studies were carried out in wind tunnel facilities, however the opportunities of using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modelling for wind assessments in place of wind tunnel tests are significant. To date, most of the existing studies are aimed at validation of wind tunnel tests and do not investigate full-scale effects. In this study, a validated full-scale 3D CFD model is developed in OpenFOAM using the k-ω-SST turbulence model for the world’s longest three-tower cable-stayed bridge: the Queensferry Crossing Bridge, which located at Edinburgh in the United Kingdom. The 3D CFD model contains details such as wind shields and wind conditions were created based on field monitoring data which was provided by Transport Scotland. The aerodynamic force conditions of the high sided vehicle on the bridge are subsequently determined and analysed. Results suggested that the truck would be more vulnerable to variations in the lift force coefficient and rolling moment coefficient than the double-decker bus.