Simultaneous pressures and accelerations measured full-scale on the Great Belt East suspension bridge

Full-scale measurements on the Great Belt East suspension bridge were carried out. Large amplitudes due to vortex-induced oscillations were measured, and lock-in observed. To the author's knowledge, pressures at the deck surface and accelerations are measured simultaneously for the first time, with the purpose of obtaining data which could contribute to further understanding of the fluid–structure interaction behaviour. Pressure–acceleration correlations at and off lock-in are estimated. Limitations of conventional experimental methods for predicting full-scale behaviour are evident, due to scale effects. Suggestions are made for improvements to the current design method for long-span bridges.