The project is to study the full-scale vibration and aerodynamic behavior of the new Houston Baytown Bridge during various critical stages of construction and after completion of the full structure. The work includes a series of ambient vibration surveys, a comprehensive ambient survey after completion, and a two-year permanent installation to assess the performance of the bridge through high wind storms. A plan will be developed for a permanent monitoring and diagnostic system to be used by the Texas Department of Highways and Public Transportation. The data gathered will be used to validate models to predict the behavior of long bridges under high wind load conditions. This knowledge will greatly benefit the wind engineering community.
