Experimental and theoretical simulations on wind–rain-induced vibration of 3-D rigid stay cables

In this paper, a cable model with an artificial rivulet model is tested with the help of a specially designed test set-up. Mean and fluctuating pressures and aerodynamic forces acting on the cable model and the artificial rivulet model under typical conditions are obtained and the formulas of the aerodynamic forces are derived. On the basis of the wind forces, a new theoretical model for describing wind–rain-induced vibration is established. In the theoretical model, equations governing the motions of the cable and rivulet models are both established, and a new description of friction force between the water rivulet and the cable surface is adopted. Then wind–rain-induced responses of a typical three-dimensional (3-D) rigid cable model are computed by using the present theoretical model. Some main computed results are compared with experimental ones of an elastically supported rigid cable model reported in literature. Finally, a possible mechanism of wind–rain-induced vibration of cables is suggested.