Surface pressure measurement system for investigating bridge aerodynamics

Currently, direct full-scale validation of buffeting wind load on a bridge deck in atmospheric turbulence is limited by the lack of comprehensive field data. A system capable of monitoring wind-induced surface pressures around the bridge deck was developed for an in-service cable-supported bridge. This study describes in detail its design and features, along with some results illustrating the potential of the experimental setup and the acquired data set. The system was designed for continuous long-term monitoring of three chord-wise strips, each having 12 pressure taps along the side and bottom periphery of the bridge deck girder. Thus, information on the cross-sectional wind loads and their span-wise coherence can be obtained. This experimental setup complements a synchronized array of 3D sonic anemometers and vibration sensors already installed on the bridge, which allows for a direct study of bridge deck aerodynamics. The system is deemed capable of providing valuable full-scale data to improve knowledge of wind load on long-span bridges in atmospheric turbulence. • Developed a system to monitor wind-induced surface pressures on an in-service bridge deck. • A total of 36 pressure taps are currently distributed in three chord-wise strips on the deck. • The pressure system complements turbulence and vibration sensors for a complete study of bridge aerodynamics. • The experimental setup allows for full-scale study of wind loads and their span-wise correlations. • Potential for a direct validation of the buffeting theory for long-span bridges under natural wind conditions.