Investigations on Large-Amplitude Vibrations of Rigid Models Using a Novel Testing Device
Fuyou Xu, Jing Yang, Zhanbiao Zhang, Mingjie Zhang
Abstract
The large-amplitude postflutter vibrations of long-span bridges have attracted extensive attention, which is of significant importance to accurately assess the potential wind-resistant capability of bridges. However, the conventional free vibration testing apparatus cannot effectively fulfill the task of evaluating the postflutter performance of a bridge deck. This study introduces a new experimental device that can effectively avoid various nonlinear factors involved in the traditional device and thereby ensure the accuracy of large-amplitude vertical–torsional coupled free vibration tests. The excellent working performance of the experimental setup is validated by carrying out free vibration tests of a bridge deck sectional model in still air. Large-amplitude wind tunnel tests of two bridge decks are conducted by using the new setup, and it is found that the novel testing device is a preferable choice for wind tunnel tests to comprehensively evaluate the postflutter performance of bridge decks.