Dynamic effects due to wind loading, especially buffeting, often influence the design of long-span bridges considerably. The computation of the structural response due to this type of loading and the inclusion of the results gained from such an analysis into an overall bridge design concept is a complicated matter. Recently, the capability to perform buffeting analyses was implemented into a commercially available bridge-design software package called RM2004 (TDV 2004). This feature is fully integrated with all the other analysis and design functions of this software package. Much effort has recently been devoted to further improve the dynamic functionality of RM2004. In addition to the previously available modules that included all standard procedures for earthquake design (eigenmode analysis, response spectrum analysis, forced vibrations and linear time history based on modal analysis) a variety of new features have been added. The capability of performing buffeting analyses is among them. Spectral definition of the wind loading requires that analysis must include all frequency ranges (from frequency zero to frequency infinity). The structural and aerodynamics damping has to be included in the analysis.
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