A numerical–experimental methodology for simulating the aerodynamic forces acting on a moving vehicle passing through the wake of a bridge tower under cross wind

The effects induced on handling of a high sided vehicle by a variation of cross wind aerodynamic forces caused by the crossing of the wake of a bridge tower are studied using an experimental–numerical approach. The proposed model aims at simulating the interaction between the aerodynamic forces and moments and the vehicle–driver behavior. The aerodynamic forces, instantaneously acting on the vehicle, are computed according to a quasi-static force distribution approach that relies on wind tunnel tests performed on still scaled models. Time domain simulations of the vehicle–driver response to cross wind forces are performed to investigate the safety of the bridge traffic in presence of tower wake crossing, taking into account the risk of lane changing and/or vehicle rollover. In particular an analysis of the vehicle–driver system response, for a reference bridge situation, in presence and absence of wind fences near the tower, is performed to evaluate their effectiveness.