Study on aerodynamic coefficients and responses of the integrated catwalk of Halogaland Bridge

Wind tunnel tests and numerical aerodynamic analyses were conducted for an integrated catwalk structure under strong winds. From the wind tunnel tests, it is found that the aerodynamic coefficients were different from those of the typical type. The drag coefficient was larger than typical and was sensitive to number of vertical meshes installed rather than the solidity ratio. Comparing with typical catwalk, the integrated one showed larger deformation under strong wind, and the large torsional deformation are mainly caused by drag force. It did not show aerodynamic divergence even the torsional deformation reaching 20. The reason could be that the stiffness is smaller and thus the catwalk is able to deform to the shape compactable with higher loading. Considering safety for construction, storm rope system is introduced to the catwalk to reduce the deformation to acceptable level.