Reducing Fatigue in Wind-Excited Traffic Signal Support Structures using Smart Damping Technologies

This Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) project developed and tested an innovative signal head vibration absorber (SHVA) that provides energy absorption for lightly damped signal support structures to reduce vibration and fatigue in these structures from excessive wind-induced vibration. The SHVA is a modified vehicle signal head that incorporates a reliable and robust spring and damper inside of the signal housing to allow for the signal head to move vertically relative to the mast arm. As the mass of the signal head moves up and down relative to the mast-arm, energy is dissipated and vibration is greatly reduced.

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  • Supplemental Notes:
    • This NCHRP-IDEA investigation was conducted by the University of Connecticut, Storrs. Distribution, posting, or copying of this PDF is strictly prohibited without written permission of the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Unless otherwise indicated, all materials in this PDF are copyrighted by the National Academy of Sciences. Copyright © National Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved
  • Authors:
    • Christenson, Richard
  • Publication Date: 2011-1

Language

  • English

Media Info

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 01351451
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Report/Paper Numbers: NCHRP IDEA Project 141
  • Files: TRIS, TRB
  • Created Date: Sep 12 2011 1:51PM