The purpose of this investigation was to identify key design parameters that might significantly affect the response of span wire traffic light systems during extreme wind events. The performance of these systems was assessed through physical testing in an effort to quantify the effect of sag ratio, wire tension and wire clearance. The Wall of Wind experimental facility at Florida International University was utilized for testing the systems at different wind speeds and wind directions.
The findings showed that, at all tested wind directions, lift, drag and tension forces increased with increasing wind speeds. On the contrary, increasing the wind speed resulted in higher inclination on the traffic lights, lower drag coefficients and higher lift coefficients. Overall, when the wind was approaching from the rear face of the traffic signals, increased drag coefficients were recorded. When the sag was set at 7% lower drag coefficients were observed.
