Full-scale investigation of wind-induced vibrations of mast-arm traffic signal structures

Abstract

In 2001, after the collapse of several of these structures throughout the United States, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) code standards were updated to include fatigue provisions for traffic signal supporting structures. In New York State, there is particular concern regarding structures spanning longer than 14 meters which currently do not meet these updated fatigue provisions. To address this concern, a full-scale experiment was conducted using an existing 25 meter mast-arm traffic signal structure, located in Malta, NY, in which the response of the structure was observed in relation to in-situ wind conditions.