Bridges
Wind effects are important in the design and construction of long span bridges due to their slender and flexible structural form. For very long spans, aerodynamic stability of the deck at high wind speeds often governs the design due to the potentially catastrophic nature of instabilities such as flutter. At lower, more frequently occurring wind speeds, vortex shedding can cause structural fatigue and degrade user comfort. The construction phase can also be critical due to less favourable structural and aerodynamic properties at key stages of erection. 
BMT Fluid Mechanics has a range of specialist capabilities for physical and numerical modelling that provide a comprehensive consultancy service for the design of modern long span bridges.
Capabilities
- Wind tunnel testing for section and full aero-elastic models
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)- Desk studies
Consultancy Services
- Topography modelling
- Aerodynamic stability assessments for structural and serviceability design of bridge decks
- Aerodynamic stability assessments for towers and masts
- Cable vibration
- People induced vibration
Fatigue loading assessment - Static wind load assessment
- Buffeting response
- Wind fence/ barrier design
- Pedestrian comfort
- Assessment of wind induced overturning of vehicles and bridge decks