24. Full-Scale Measurements on the Hardanger Bridge During Strong Winds

Completed in 2013, the Hardanger Bridge is now the longest suspension bridge in Norway and it is among the most slender suspension bridges in the world. In the context of an extensive research project initiated by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, the bridge was installed with a comprehensive monitoring system to investigate the wind characteristics at the site along with the dynamic response of the bridge. Wind velocities are measured using nine anemometers installed on different locations at the bridge span. A representative 10 min recording with high mean wind velocity and perpendicular wind direction is selected to present the preliminary results. Time series of turbulence components and one-point spectra are presented. Spatial properties of the wind field are studied by examining the coherences of turbulence components for several separation distances. Dynamic response of the bridge is measured using 20 accelerometers distributed along the main span. Time histories of the accelerations as well as the response spectra are presented. The relationship between bridge vibrations and wind measurements is discussed.