Wave response analysis of a floating bridge for strait crossing

Abstract

Considered herein is a floating bridge for the strait crossing between Kyushu and Shikoku (Houyo strait). The bridge consists of two rows of floating foundations which are semi-submerged type or pontoon type, and they support two box-girders for road traffic. Wave response of the newly proposed floating bridge has been examined based on the linear potential theory and the linear elasticity. Preliminary analysis performed herein have shown the applicability of such a bridge for severe wave conditions, i. e., the significant wave height of 5m and the wave period of 8 second.