Wind Load Manual

Bridge Wind Load

Manual

for

Steel Frame Design Manual

ISO BRG112118M37 Rev. 0 November 2018

Proudly developed in the United States of America
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 Contents

1 General 1

1.1 Load Patterns 1

Wind 1
Wind – Live Load 1

1.2 Load Assignment 2

1.3 Load Distributions 2

1.4 Load Cases 2

1.5 Load Combinations 2

2 AASHTO 8th Edition 3

2.1 Superstructure 3
Wind Pressure 3
Exposed Area 4

2.2 Vertical 4

Wind Pressure 4
Exposed Area 4

2.3 Substructure 4

Wind Pressure 4
Exposed Area 4

2.4 Live Load 4

Wind Pressure 4

3 CSA S6-14 6

3.1 Superstructure 6

i
Bridge Wind Load

Wind Pressure 6
Exposed Area 6

3.2 Vertical 7

Wind Pressure 7
Exposed Area 7

3.3 Substructure 7
Wind Pressure 7
Exposed Area 7

3.4 Live Load 7

Wind Pressure 7
Exposed Area 8

4 Eurocode 1:2005 9

4.1 Superstructure 9

Wind Pressure 9
Exposed Area 10

4.2 Vertical 10

Wind Pressure 10
Exposed Area 10

4.3 Substructure 10

Wind Pressure 10
Exposed Area 11

4.4 Live Load 11

Wind Pressure 11
Exposed Area 11

5 References 12

ii
 1 General

This manual describes the automated wind loading for bridges. This first chapter provides generic
concepts for bridge wind loading, while the following chapters provide further details for code
specific implementations.

It is important to read this entire manual before using the automated wind load to become familiar
with any limitations of the algorithms or assumptions that have been made.

1.1 Load Patterns

Wind
A load pattern of type Wind can be used to automatically apply wind load to a bridge structure.
Upon choosing the Wind type for a load pattern, a loading code shall be selected. Only the codes
in the following chapters are supported for automated bridge wind load. Other codes in the list
are for building structures and will not generate bridge loading. After adding a load pattern with
a bridge wind load code, the code specific parameters can be modified.

A single load pattern can consider wind applied at different angles. Each angle has corresponding
transverse and longitudinal coefficients. When applying bridge wind loading, the total load is first
computed at an angle of zero degrees. For other angles, the total load is multiplied by the
transverse and longitudinal coefficients to determine the load components in the two orthogonal
directions.

Wind – Live Load

A load pattern of type Wind – Live Load is used to automatically consider wind load upon vehicle
live load. Upon choosing the Wind – Live Load type for a load pattern, Auto should be selected
for the code. Two additional parameters are needed for this load pattern type. A reference bridge
wind load pattern is required, from which the code specific parameters are taken. It is also possible
to specify a height above the roadway at which the wind on live load is applied.

Load Patterns 1
Bridge Wind Load

1.2 Load Assignment

Bridge wind load patterns define the parameters for calculating the wind load, but the load will
not be applied until it is assigned to a bridge object. A bridge wind load assignment consists of
the following items:

• Wind type load patterns to be applied to the structure

• Wind – Live Load type load patterns to be applied to vehicle live load
• Chord direction which allows CSiBridge to determine the zero-degree angle. By default,
the chord direction is defined by a line running from the start to the end of the bridge
object.

1.3 Load Distributions

Upon assigning wind loads, bridge line load distributions are automatically generated per the
following:

• Superstructure – line loads are generated at the center and two quarter points. The
magnitude of the load is equal to the total load divided by the sum of the lengths along
the center and two quarter points. Moments are also applied along these lines to account
for the load being applied at the deck surface instead of the center of gravity of the bridge
section.
• Vertical – an upward load is generated at the quarter point on the windward side. The
magnitude of the load is equal to the total vertical load divided by the length of the line
along the respective quarter point.
• Live Load – line loads are generated at the center and two quarter points. The magnitude
of the load is equal to the total load divided by the sum of the lengths along the center
and two quarter points. Moments are also applied along these lines to account for the
application height above the roadway surface, as specified in the load pattern.

Substructure loading is applied with traditional distributed frame loads over the exposed length
of the substructure elements.

1.4 Load Cases

By default, each bridge wind load pattern added generates a corresponding multi-step static load
case. A multi-step load case is used to handle multiple wind angles. Each angle is considered as
a separate step in the load case. Results can be viewed and extracted for each step, allowing
investigation of the load effects at different angles.

1.5 Load Combinations

When a multi-step bridge wind load case is included in a load combination it will use the envelope
of the steps.

2
 2 AASHTO 8th Edition

This chapter describes the algorithm CSiBridge applies when applying wind load according to
AASHTO LRFD 8th Edition (AASHTO, 2017). Unless noted otherwise, references to AASHTO
within this chapter shall be considered as AASHTO LRFD 8th Edition.

2.1 Superstructure

Wind Pressure
The design horizontal wind pressure, Pz is calculated according to:

𝑃𝑃𝑧𝑧 = 2.56 × 10−6 𝑉𝑉 2 𝐾𝐾𝑧𝑧 𝐺𝐺𝐶𝐶𝐷𝐷 [AASHTO Eq. 3.8.1.2.1-1]

where,

V is the 3-second gust wind speed in miles per hour (mph), as input in the load pattern.

G is the gust effect factor, as input in the load pattern.

CD is the drag coefficient, as input in the load pattern.

The pressure exposure and elevation coefficient, Kz, is calculated as follows for the respective
wind exposure categories. These equations are applicable to Strength III and Service IV
combinations. For other combinations it is taken as 1.0.
2
𝑍𝑍
�2.5 ln �0.9834� + 6.87� [AASHTO Eq. 3.8.1.2.1-2]
𝐾𝐾𝑍𝑍 (𝐵𝐵) =
345.6
2
𝑍𝑍
�2.5 ln �0.0984� + 7.35� [AASHTO Eq. 3.8.1.2.1-3]
𝐾𝐾𝑍𝑍 (𝐶𝐶) =
478.4
2
𝑍𝑍
�2.5 ln �0.0164� + 7.65� [AASHTO Eq. 3.8.1.2.1-4]
𝐾𝐾𝑍𝑍 (𝐷𝐷) =
616.1

Superstructure 3
Bridge Wind Load AASHTO 8th Edition

The superstructure height, Z, can be automatically calculated by CSiBridge or manually input in

the load pattern. If automatically calculated, Z is taken as the height from the ground elevation
input in the load pattern, up to the average height of the top of the superstructure.

Exposed Area
The exposed area is taken perpendicular to the defined chord direction as the projected side area,
including barriers.

2.2 Vertical

Wind Pressure
The wind pressure for vertical uplift is directly specified in AASHTO Cl. 3.8.2 based on the load
combination being considered.

0.02 ksf for Strength III

0.01 ksf for Service IV

Exposed Area
The exposed area is taken as the full deck area.

2.3 Substructure

Wind Pressure
The wind pressure for the substructure is determined as described for the superstructure in 2.1.1.
A separate drag coefficient, CD is input in the load pattern for the substructure. If automatically
calculated, the height, Z, is taken equal to that used for the superstructure. Alternatively, a
manually input value for the substructure can be input in the load pattern.

Exposed Area
The exposed area for substructure elements is considered as the projected area of the elements in
the transverse and longitudinal directions.

2.4 Live Load

Wind Pressure
For wind acting on the live load, AASHTO directly specifies 0.10 k/ft instead of a pressure. The

Vertical 4
Bridge Wind Load AASHTO 8th Edition

wind on live load pattern allows input of a height above the roadway at which this load shall be
applied.

Live Load 5
 3 CSA S6-14

This chapter describes the algorithm CSiBridge applies when applying wind load according to
CSA S6-14 (CSA Group, 2014). Unless noted otherwise, references to CSA within this chapter
shall be considered as CSA S6-14.

3.1 Superstructure

Wind Pressure
The horizontal drag load, Fh is calculated according to:

𝐹𝐹ℎ = 𝑞𝑞𝐶𝐶𝑒𝑒 𝐶𝐶𝑔𝑔 𝐶𝐶ℎ [CSA Cl. 3.10.2.2]

where,

q is the reference wind pressure, as input in the load pattern.

Cg is the gust effect coefficient, as input in the load pattern.

Ch is a coefficient, as input in the load pattern.

The wind exposure coefficient, Ce, is calculated as follows:

𝐶𝐶𝑒𝑒 = (0.1𝐻𝐻)0.2 ≥ 1.0 [CSA Cl. 3.10.1.4]

The superstructure height, H, can be automatically calculated by CSiBridge or manually input in

the load pattern. If automatically calculated, H is taken as the height from the ground elevation
input in the load pattern, up to the top of the superstructure.

Exposed Area
The exposed area is taken perpendicular to the defined chord direction as the projected side area,
including barriers.

Superstructure 6
Bridge Wind Load CSA S6-14

3.2 Vertical

Wind Pressure
The vertical load, Fv is calculated according to:

𝐹𝐹𝑣𝑣 = 𝑞𝑞𝐶𝐶𝑒𝑒 𝐶𝐶𝑔𝑔 𝐶𝐶𝑣𝑣 [CSA Cl. 3.10.2.3]

where,

q is the reference wind pressure, as input in the load pattern.

Cg is the gust effect coefficient, as input in the load pattern.

Cv is a coefficient, as input in the load pattern.

The wind exposure coefficient, Ce, is calculated as follows:

𝐶𝐶𝑒𝑒 = (0.1𝐻𝐻)0.2 ≥ 1.0 [CSA Cl. 3.10.1.4]

The superstructure height, H, can be automatically calculated by CSiBridge or manually

input in the load pattern. If automatically calculated, H is taken as the height from the
ground elevation input in the load pattern, up to the top of the superstructure.

Exposed Area
The exposed area is taken as the full deck area.

3.3 Substructure

Wind Pressure
For wind acting on the substructure, the wind pressure is the same as that on the superstructure,
as defined in 3.1.1.

Exposed Area
The exposed area for substructure elements is considered as the projected area of the elements in
the transverse and longitudinal directions.

3.4 Live Load

Wind Pressure
For wind acting on the live load, the wind pressure is the same as that on the superstructure, as

Vertical 7
Bridge Wind Load CSA S6-14

defined in 3.1.1.

Exposed Area
The exposed area for wind on the live load is considered as the full length of the bridge multiplied
by 3.0 m above the roadway surface.

Live Load 8
 4 Eurocode 1:2005

This chapter describes the algorithm CSiBridge applies when applying wind load according to
Eurocode 1:2005 (European Committee for Standardization, 2005). Unless noted otherwise,
references to EN within this chapter shall be considered as Eurocode 1:2005.

4.1 Superstructure

Wind Pressure
The horizontal wind force, Fw is calculated according to:

1
𝐹𝐹𝑤𝑤 = 𝜌𝜌𝑣𝑣𝑏𝑏2 𝐶𝐶𝐴𝐴𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟𝑟,𝑥𝑥 [EN Eq. 8.2]
2

where,

ρ is the air density, as input in the load pattern.

vb is the basic wind speed, as input in the load pattern.

Aref,x is the exposed area, described below.

The wind load factor, C, is calculated as:

𝐶𝐶 = 𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑒 𝑐𝑐𝑓𝑓,𝑥𝑥

where,

cf,x is the force coefficient, as input in the load pattern.

The exposure factor, ce, is dependent on the height and computed as:

𝑞𝑞𝑝𝑝 (𝑧𝑧)
𝑐𝑐𝑒𝑒 (𝑧𝑧) = [EN Eq. 4.9]
𝑞𝑞𝑏𝑏

The peak velocity pressure, qp(z), is computed as:

Superstructure 9
Bridge Wind Load Eurocode 1:2005

1 2
𝑞𝑞𝑝𝑝 (𝑧𝑧) = [1 + 7𝐼𝐼𝑣𝑣 (𝑧𝑧)] 𝜌𝜌𝑣𝑣𝑚𝑚 (𝑧𝑧) [EN Eq. 4.8]
2

The basic velocity pressure, qb, is computed as:

1
𝑞𝑞𝑏𝑏 = 𝜌𝜌𝑣𝑣𝑏𝑏2 [EN Eq. 4.10]
2

The turbulence intensity factor, Iv(z), is computed as:

𝑘𝑘𝑙𝑙
𝐼𝐼𝑣𝑣 (𝑧𝑧) = 𝑐𝑐 (𝑧𝑧)∙ln 𝑧𝑧� for zmin ≤ z ≤ zmax [EN Eq. 4.7]
𝑜𝑜 𝑧𝑧0

where,

kl is the turbulence factor, as input in the load pattern.

co(z) is the orography factor, as input in the load pattern.

The superstructure height, z, can be automatically calculated by CSiBridge or manually input in

the load pattern. If automatically calculated, z is taken as the height from the ground elevation
input in the load pattern, up to the top of the superstructure.

Exposed Area
The exposed area is taken perpendicular to the defined chord direction as the projected side area,
including barriers.

4.2 Vertical

Wind Pressure
The vertical wind load is calculated using the same procedure as for the horizontal load on the
superstructure defined in 4.1.1. For vertical wind, a separate force coefficient, cf,z is defined in the
load pattern, replacing cf,x in the horizontal calculation.

Exposed Area
The exposed area is taken as the full deck area.

4.3 Substructure

Wind Pressure
For wind acting on the substructure, the wind pressure is the same as that on the superstructure,
as defined in 4.1.1. If automatically calculated, the height, z, is taken equal to that used for the

Vertical 10
Bridge Wind Load Eurocode 1:2005

superstructure. Alternatively, a manually input z value for the substructure can be input in the
load pattern.

Exposed Area
The exposed area for substructure elements is considered as the projected area of the elements in
the transverse and longitudinal directions.

4.4 Live Load

Wind Pressure
For wind acting on the live load, the wind pressure is the same as that on the superstructure, as
defined in 4.1.1.

Exposed Area
The exposed area for wind on the live load is considered as the full length of the bridge multiplied
by 2.0 m above the roadway surface.

Live Load 11
 5 References

AASHTO. (2017). AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications (8th ed.). Washington, DC, United States:
American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. Retrieved from
www.transportation.org

CSA Group. (2014). Canadian Highway Bridge Design Code. Mississauga, Ontario, Canada: CSA Group.

European Committee for Standardization. (2005). Eurocode 1: Actions on structures - Part 1-4: General
actions - Wind actions. Brussels, Belgium: European Committee for Standardization.

12