Two types of bridge vibration that are of special concern are:
(i) Flutter, which is self-induced vibration characterized by occurrence of vertical and torsional motion at high wind speeds.
(ii) Vortex shedding, which is the vibration induced by turbulence alternating above and below the bridge deck at low wind speeds.
One of the important features affecting the aerodynamic behaviour of a bridge is the shape of bridge deck. The shape which provides maximum stability against wind effects is that of an airplane wing, on which the wind flows smoothly without creating turbulence and there is no separation of boundary layers. To improve the aerodynamic behaviour of a bridge, addition of wind fairings and baffle plates could be considered.
This question is taken from book named – A Self Learning Manual – Mastering Different Fields of Civil Engineering Works (VC-Q-A-Method) by Vincent T. H. CHU.
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