Abstract
Magnitude and loading patterns of wind loads must be set properly to secure horizontal stability of a bridge structure. Details of wind loads and its loading patterns are stipulated in the Design Specification of Highway Bridges and the Design Manual of Steel Highway Bridges where a upper and lower chord of sway bracings share the wind load equally. Since background of wind loading pattern in the specification is not known, rationalization of bridge structures encounters difficulties. In this study, aiming at obtaining fundamental data of wind load distribution on a plate-girder bridge structure for structural rationalization, wind loads on bridge parts are investigated by a wind-tunnel test. The study revealed quantitative results which are almost identical to the current design specification.
