Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2000-2025
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://theses-dissertations.princeton.edu/handle/88435/dsp014m90dv552
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Browsing Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2000-2025 by Author "Dong, Angel"
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Wind Tunnel and Feasibility Study of a Hybrid Tube Bridge-Barrier Structure
(2025-04-14) Dong, Angel; Garlock, Maria Eugenia MoreyraAs global warming intensifies and climate change causes sea levels to rise in coastal communities, storm surge barriers are essential to protecting lives and property. Ideally, these structures would serve not only as emergency barriers but also have a secondary function, such as a pedestrian bridge for everyday use. This proposed dual-purpose concept is referred to as the Sustainable Hybrid Bridge-Barrier (SHBB) in this thesis. The objective of this thesis is to evaluate the aerodynamic wind coefficients and structural feasibility of a hybrid tube bridge-barrier structure. To do this, a design prototype was developed using Newtown Creek in NYC as the site, based on the NY-NJ HATS study. The minimum dimensions of the SHBB were determined by analyzing both site constraints and design code requirements. Inspired by existing tube bridges, several CAD models were created and 3D printed to test different design features in a wind tunnel. Three tube bridges were tested: one with no holes, and two with 25% porosity, one using smaller holes and the other using larger holes. A metal deck and printed arch were also tested in various combinations with the tubes. Wind tunnel results confirmed that adding porosity reduces the drag coefficient, with larger holes producing lower drag than smaller holes. The deck had little effect on drag and lift, while the arch had a significant impact. Without the arch, the lift coefficients were approximately zero. Drag coefficients ranged from approximately 1.2 to 1.5. As a result, the recommended tube bridge design should feature large perforations for reduced drag, a minimum diameter of 13 feet, and a conservative wall thickness of approximately 4 inches (assuming a steel material), though thinner sections may also be feasible.