Numerical simulation of the effect of section details and partial streamlining on the aerodynamics of bridge decks

Presented herein is a numerical study for evaluating the aerodynamic behaviour of equipped bridge deck sections. In the first part, the method adopted is described, in particular concerning turbulence models, meshing requirements and numerical approach. The validation of the procedure represents the aim of the second part of the paper: the results of the numerical simulation in case of two-dimensional, steady, incompressible, turbulent flow around a realistic bridge deck are compared to the data collected from wind-tunnel tests. In order to demonstrate the influence of the section details and of the partial streamlining of the deck geometry on its aerodynamic behaviour, in the third part of the paper the effect of the fairings and of each item of equipment of the section (such as central barriers, side railings and sidewalks) is evaluated. The study has been applied to the deck section of the Normandy cable-stayed bridge.