Vibration Control in Bridges

The purpose of this chapter is to examine methods to control induced vibrations in steel and reinforced concrete (RC) highway bridges caused by three primary vibration forces, specifically wind, heavy traffic, and seismic events. These forces manifest their effects in bridge structural elements to different degrees, from small vibrations to large forces causing destruction of the bridge. This chapter examines bridge failures caused by induced vibrations, from wind loading, traffic loading, and seismic vibration loading and presents solutions developed to compensate for these vibrations. Bridge failures from seismic vibrations are the most destructive and are described in two major earthquakes in California. A major bridge failure from induced wind vibrations is considered, and two bridge failures caused by vibrations from heavy traffic loading are described. With lessons learned from these and other bridge failures, new design criteria and methods have been established to reduce and mitigate the destructive forces of induced vibrations. Significant changes in bridge structural engineering codes and design philosophy were made. While bridge structural design improvements have reduced the effects of wind, seismic, and heavy traffic vibrations, further research is needed to mitigate the long-term effects of vibrations on bridge performance and structural integrity.