Numerical Analysis of a Curved Floating Bridge

Floating bridges are considered as a solution to the deep-water crossing. In this study, dynamic behaviors of a curved floating bridge, which consists of a girder, columns, and pontoons, are analyzed in the time-domain in waves, winds, and currents. This type does not have mooring lines so that deep-water installation can be much easier than conventional bridges and floating bridges with mooring lines. The key factor is, therefore, to have good global behaviors. In the frequency domain, we computed hydrodynamic added mass, radiation damping, wave excitation forces by using a 3D diffraction/radiation program. Time-domain simulations were further conducted under different loading conditions. Second-order wave-excitation and dynamic wind loads induce significant lateral motions of the girder since a wave-dominant-frequency range is close to its natural frequencies while the first-order wave-excitation force plays an important role in the girder's vertical motion.