Prediction Aerodynamic stability of dry stay cables using different quasi-steady models

Galloping vibrations due to critical Reynolds number effects, have recently been identified as a potential problem for dry stay cables. These are mainly connected to complex inclined-flow aerodynamics and to superficial imperfections characterizing real stay cables. The analysis of the forces causing them is usually made using a quasi-steady approach. Several models have been developed with the aim of predicting cable aerodynamic instabilities, each of which considering different aspects of the dynamic and aerodynamic behaviour. In this paper, different models are used to investigate the stability of dry stay cables using aerodynamic data deriving from wind tunnel tests. A comparison of the results has highlighted that the use of multi-DoF models is not justified, as 1-DoF models are sufficient to predict aerodynamic instability.