WIND LOAD EFFECTS ON SIGNS, LUMINAIRES, AND TRAFFIC SIGNAL STRUCTURES. FINAL REPORT

The objectives of this study were: (1) to revise the wind load section of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) standard for highway signs, luminaires and traffic signal structures, and (2) to develop strategies to mitigate large vibrations in single-mast traffic signal structures subject to cross-wind vibrations. The first objective was accomplished by developing a new design wind speed map for the State of Texas. State-of-knowledge wind engineering technology is incorporated in the revised design standard. A better understanding of the cross-wind vibration problem, which takes place in steady winds in the range of 5 to 15 m/s, was obtained by conducting water table, tow tank and field studies. The vibrations are attributed to a galloping phenomenon, which primarily takes place when the wind is blowing normal to the mast arm from the back side of a traffic signal with backing plate. The most effective mitigation measure was found to be a horizontal wing attached above the signal light. TxDOT maintenance personnel should install a wing when mast arm tip vibrations exceed 40 cm.

• Corporate Authors:

  Texas Tech University, Lubbock

  Wind Science and Engineering Research Center
  P.O. Box 41023
  Lubbock, TX  United States  79409-1023

  Texas Department of Transportation

  Research and Technology Transfer Office, P.O. Box 5051
  Austin, TX  United States  78763-5051
• Authors:
  • McDonald, J R
  • Mehta, K C
  • Oler, W
  • Pulipaka, N
• Publication Date: 1995-2

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 196 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aerodynamic force; Crosswinds; Design standards; Luminaires; Signals; Support poles; Traffic mitigation; Traffic signs; Vibration; Wind; Wind resistant design
• Uncontrolled Terms: Wind load
• Old TRIS Terms: Signal support (Structural); Wind speed maps
• Subject Areas: Design; Highways; I20: Design and Planning of Transport Infrastructure;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00677782
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: Res Rept 1303-F
• Contract Numbers: Study 11-5-92-1303
• Files: TRIS, STATEDOT
• Created Date: May 30 1995 12:00AM