Construction stages of the long span suspension Izmit Bay Bridge: Wind tunnel test assessment

Abstract A comparison of the aeroelastic response of four 1:220 aeroelastic models representing three different construction stages and the completion stage of the Izmit Bay suspension bridge in Turkey is presented. Wind tunnel tests were performed in the same laboratory both in smooth and turbulent flow conditions to investigate the aeroelastic stability and the buffeting response. Completion bridge results are used as a reference for considerations on how the variation of the structural characteristics and the different aerodynamics of the various construction stages influence the bridge stability and the buffeting response.