Inhomogeneous wave load effects on a long, straight and side-anchored floating pontoon bridge

Abstract

In this paper, we present a numerical study on the hydroelastic response of a 4.6 km long fjord crossing floating bridge subjected to wave loads. The bridge is straight in design and supported by 35 pontoons along its full length. To limit the response to horizontal loads, four clusters of deep water mooring lines are engaged to increase the transverse stiffness of the bridge. Owing to the very large span across the fjord, inhomogeneity in the wave field exists. This study examines the various effects of inhomogeneous wave loads on the dynamic responses of the floating bridge. These include the spatial variations of the wave direction, significant wave height and peak period as well as the coherence and correlation of waves along the entire length of the floating bridge. For the purpose of comparison, the dynamic bridge responses under homogeneous wave load cases are also studied. In addition, the effects of wave load components and short-crestedness are presented and discussed.