Influence of wind barrier configuration on driving space over bridge decks: A PIV-based parametric study

Wind-induced vibrations, such as vortex-induced vibrations, occur on long-span bridges because of their flexibility, especially for bridges with centrally slotted box girders, which may severely affect structural safety and driving comfort. In this research, the influence of wind barrier parameters on the wind field of the driving space on a centrally slotted bridge deck under crosswind was experimentally investigated. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) was employed in wind tunnel tests conducted in the low-speed test section to obtain the wind field on the bridge deck. The effects of wind barriers on the average wind speed, turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), and mean vorticity were analyzed under both with-vehicle and without-vehicle conditions. The effects of the height, porosity, and layout of the wind barriers on the driving space were also quantitatively presented by the equivalent wind speed reduction coefficients. The results show that vehicles on the bridge deck can induce the formation of vortices and high turbulence in the driving space. The parameters of the wind barriers affect both the distribution and magnitude of the average wind speed on the windward side. The corresponding results are important for the wind barrier design of long-span bridges to ensure driving safety on bridge decks.