Analysis of vehicle path tracking ability and lateral stability on a floating bridge under a crosswind
Journal article, 2022

The reconstructed route E39 along the west coast of Norway will provide efficient local and regional transportation for people and goods. Efficient transportation implies safety measures exist, e.g., driving speed limits for adverse weather condition. This is especially important for structures in open areas, such as long-span bridges. This paper investigates the path tracking ability and lateral stability of two vehicle types – a tractor-semitrailer (TS) and a sport utility vehicle (SUV) – on the Bjørnafjorden floating bridge considering a 1-year storm condition. At a speed of 108 km/h, the TS experiences a roll-over risk, and at a speed of 90 km/h, it frequently leaves the traffic lane. At the highest speed, the SUV wheels do not lose contact with the bridge deck, but the vehicle does leave the traffic lane. This implies that a TS driver requires more vehicle handling effort over the floating bridge than an SUV driver. Results suggest that a TS can safely enter the bridge at a low speed (36 km/h) and then accelerate to 72 km/h after travelling 2 km. An SUV entering at a speed of 90 km/h and accelerating to 108 km/h after travelling 0.5 km was found to be safe.

Author

Dragan Sekulic

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Vehicle Engineering and Autonomous Systems

Alexey Vdovin

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Vehicle Engineering and Autonomous Systems

Simone Sebben

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Vehicle Engineering and Autonomous Systems

Bengt J H Jacobson

Chalmers, Mechanics and Maritime Sciences (M2), Vehicle Engineering and Autonomous Systems

Stian Johannesen Moe

Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA)

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

0167-6105 (ISSN)

Vol. 227 105070

Driving Comfort and Tracking Ability of Vehicles on Floating Bridges Moving due to Wind and Water Disturbances

Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA), 2018-08-20 -- 2022-08-31.

Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA), 2020-08-20 -- 2022-08-31.

Subject Categories

Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences

Fluid Mechanics and Acoustics

DOI

10.1016/j.jweia.2022.105070

More information

Latest update

9/28/2022