A simplified method to account for the non linearity of aerodynamic coefficients in the analysis of wind-loaded bridges

Based on a non linear quasi-steady wind model, this paper presents the statistical characteristics of the wind loading. These statistical characteristics are computed in an analysical way and validated thanks to a Monte Carlo simulation.After this validation, a parametric study allows giving some general observations concerning the non Gaussianity of the loading. Statistical moments up to the fourth order are computed in an analytical way. The subsequent relations are expressed as a function of the slope and curvature of the aerodynamic coefficients. They are a usefull tool for the assessment of the non Gaussianity of the wind loading on any bridge deck. This is illustrated for three famous European bridges.