CHARACTERIZATION OF RAIN-WIND INDUCED STAY-CABLE VIBRATIONS FROM FULL-SCALE MEASUREMENTS

A characterization of rain-wind induced vibrations is presented from analysis of vibration records obtained from a long-term field measurement program at the Fred Hartman Bridge in Houston, Texas. Displacement time histories have been generated by filtering and numerically integrating recorded cable accelerations. An analysis of modal participation is presented, along with correlations with wind speed and direction. Values of negative aerodynamic damping have been estimated from records of incipient vibration, suggesting the levels of supplemental damping necessary for mitigation of rain-wind induced vibrations.