A common configuration of decks on long span cable stayed bridges is to have local stiffness provided by plate girders located near the two edges. However, these sections are susceptible to vortex-induced oscillations that can be disturbing to bridge users and may potentially lead to other problems such as fatigue damage. A recent wind-tunnel investigation was conducted using a generic edge girder section model with a variable edge girder depth. This was done to capture the response characteristics of a range of practical cross-section geometries. The paper outlines the characteristics of both vertical and torsional vortex-induced responses observed in this investigation. Incorporating these response characteristics with the results of various wind tunnel studies, the effectiveness of baffle plates as possible mitigation measures is discussed. The characteristics of the responses, specifically the differences between the vertical and torsional vortex-induced oscillations, are important when optimizing the design of mitigation measures. Approximate prediction methods using Strouhal number estimates of basic sections, which allow specific mitigation measures to be incorporated early in the design process, are discussed. Guidelines for conducting detailed wind tunnel investigations on these sections are also proposed. Copyright ASCE 2006.
