Effects of the yaw angle on the aerodynamic behaviour of the Messina multi-box girder deck section

An analysis refinement of the Messina Strait suspension bridge project has been recently required, concerning mainly the yaw angle effects on the multi-box deck section aerodynamics and the vortex shedding at low reduced velocities V*. In particular the possible interaction of the axial flow with the large cross beams has been investigated. An original test rig has been designed at this purposernallowing for both forced motion and free motion aero elastic tests, varying the average angle of attack a and the deck yaw angle b. The hydraulic driven test rig allowed for both dynamic and stationary tests so that both the stationary coefficients and the flutter derivatives have been evaluated for each yaw angle. Specific free motion tests, taking advantage from the aeroelastic features of the section model, allowed also the study of the vortex shedding induced phenomena.