Aerodynamic shape optimization emphasizing static stability for a super-longspan cable-stayed bridge with a central-slotted box deck

As central-slotted box decks usually have excellent flutter performance, studies on this type of deck mostly focus on the vortex-induced vibration (VIV) control. Yet with the increasing span lengths, cable-supported bridges may have critical wind speeds of wind-induced static instability lower than that of the flutter. This is especially likely for bridges with a central-slotted box deck. As a result, the overall aerodynamic performance of such a bridge will depend on its wind-induced static stability. Taking a 1400 m-main-span cable-stayed bridge as an example, this study investigates the influence of a series of deck shape parameters on both static and flutter instabilities. Some crucial shape parameters, like the height ratio of wind fairing and the angle of the inner-lower web, show opposite influences on the two kinds of instabilities. The aerodynamic shape optimization conducted for both static and flutter instabilities on the deck based on parameter-sensitivity studies raises the static critical wind speed by about 10%, and the overall critical wind speed by about 8%. Effective VIV countermeasures for this type of bridge deck have also been proposed.