Investigating extreme crosswind-stability of vehicles on bridges: applying a moving-model and side wind-tunnel methodology with full-scale validation

A multi-disciplinary approach – combining wind engineering and vehicle aerodynamics – is being developed for investigations into the stability of vehicles operating in extreme crosswind conditions. In this case, heavy vehicles travelling over a 56m high bridge across a Norwegian fjord that could encounter wind gusts of up to 40m/s. Potential changes to the climate and weather conditions could result in increased occurrence of extreme wind events, in addition to ever increasing road usage and infrastructure development. Crosswind exposure and vehicle-infrastructure interaction are inherently transient, non-statistically stationary aerodynamic events that require novel scaled experimental methodologies and full-scale measurements for realistic, representative aerodynamic investigations.

In this work, a new configuration of the moving-model facility in DLR Göttingen is presented. Originally intended for high-speed-train and tunnel interaction, the test-section has been modified to include a 1:15 scale model of the Lysefjord Bridge, and a generic truck model within the side-wind tunnel jet.