Improving Long-Span Bridge Flutter Performance by Gyroscopic Stabilizers: Wind Tunnel Validation

Abstract Long-span gyroscopic devices have been used by mechanical engineers and as seismic protection systems. This study investigates how a gyroscopic stabilizer can enhance the flutter resistance of long-span bridges. Recent experimental evidence is presented and examined in detail. The findings show that the stabilizer significantly increases the critical flutter speed of a truss-type bridge section model, tested in the wind tunnel. The stabilizer effectively reduces the torsional vibrations of the model, thereby improving its stability under high-wind conditions. The study also demonstrates that the device increases the critical flutter speed, and it can reduce vibrations once instability has occurred, ultimately suppressing the model ’ s torsional motion.