FINITE ELEMENT-BASED FLUTTER ANALYSIS OF CABLE-SUSPENDED BRIDGES

In this paper, an approach to computational flutter analysis is presented, which permits the determination of the critical wind velocity that initiates damping- and stiffness-driven flutter of cable-suspended bridges. Dynamic response may be coupled elastically and/or aerodynamically, with the developed algorithm, the so-called pK-F method determining the preflutter and postflutter responses by solution to the modal equations of motion. The entire method is presented in matrix form, so as to be easily implemented into finite element systems. As an example, the pK-F method is applied to the Luling cable-stayed bridge, which was experimentally tested for flutter in the wind tunnel. Also, examples are provided for flutter determination with different deck sections. The pK-F method has proved reliable in its methodology and efficient in its use. The generality of the method permits more flutter scenarios to be examined, including construction stages and different flutter derivatives for different portions of the bridge structure.