In order to assess the effects of tuned mass dampers (TMDs) on wind actions, an aeroelastic model with a scale of 1:60 was constructed. Tests were performed in an atmospheric boundary layer wind tunnel to investigate the buffeting response of the pylon with a TMD fixed by a wire rope instead of a spring. The model was tested under different levels of damping. The experimental and numerical results showed that with the TMD in the optimal condition, the buffeting response was reduced by 47%.
In order to investigate the aerodynamic behavior of the Sutong bridge over Yangtze River during erection, a 1:50 sectional model of the bridge deck, a 1: 100 full aeroelastic model of the free standing pylon and a 1: 125 full aeroelastic model for the maxim cantilever configuration were built. The test results show that there was no serious vortex-induced vibration at the bridge deck, and that the free standing tower, the model scale and the turbulence intensity influenced static loading. The buffeting responses during the maximum cantilever configuration did not affect the safety of the bridge under construction.