Quasi-Static Condensation of Aeroelastic Suspension Bridge Model

For long span bridges the wind-induced dynamic response is a design driving factor and therefore continuously a subject for detailed analysis. Traditionally both buffeting and stability calculations have been considered in the frequency domain. However, this yields alimitation in accounting for turbulence when considering the stability limit and further it is not possible to account for non-linear effects. These limitations suggest to do simulations of the aeroelastic response of long span bridges in the time domain. For this it is of interest to have an efficient model while still maintaining sufficient accuracy. This contribution is on quasi-static reduction of an aeroelastic finite element model of a 3000m suspension bridge proposed for crossing Sulafjorden in Norway. The model is intended for stability limit calculation where the representation of higher modes is of less importance. The present contribution demonstrates the application of quasi-static condensation to long suspension bridges as well as introduces an extension of the method to include the full aeroelastic system. This includes considerations on reduction of external wind loading as well as motion-induced forces.