Experts whose aerodynamic research has influenced the design of the London Eye, Ferrari Formula 1 cars, and the sails of the America's Cup Team are carrying out tests on the wind shield for the proposed Forth Replacement Crossing (FRC).

Engineers at Italian university Politecnico di Milano in Milan are using complex wind tunnel testing techniques to study the way air moves around a scale model of the proposed wind shield.

The 14m wide by 4m high wind tunnel simulates the conditions in the Firth of Forth, including the site exposure and alignment of the bridge in relation to prevailing winds. The results will help determine the best design for the new bridge's wind shield.

Further tests will then determine the aerodynamic behaviour of the deck, towers and ultimately the whole cable-stayed bridge structure.

Billy Minto, Transport Scotland’s structures team manager for the FRC explained: "The effects of wind on large structures such as the Forth Replacement Crossing require very careful consideration.

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"Computer structural analysis models cannot fully quantify the effects of wind on large bridges. Tests using scale physical models are therefore required to provide additional information and are an essential tool in the design process.

"A key requirement of the Forth Replacement Crossing is that traffic is able to cross the bridge during periods of high wind. The wind shield is therefore essential to provide the level of reliability we are looking for on such an important link in Scotland's transport network.

"These tests will help us identify the wind shield design which provides the best protection to high-sided vehicles, whilst also being aesthetically pleasing and providing a reasonable view from the bridge for drivers."

A number of different designs are being assessed and compared with the wind shielding on the Second Severn Crossing.

The Second Severn Crossing has never been closed due to high winds in its 12-year history and these tests are designed to ensure the Forth Replacement Crossing wind shield performs equally as well.

An early series of wind tunnel tests were carried out in the UK in 2008 to compare the aerodynamic performance of several design options. These early studies helped to refine the design and pave the way for more detailed tests at Milan.

Meanwhile, Transport Scotland has also completed its line up of delivery partners for the Forth Replacement Crossing with the appointment of Heath Lambert as Insurance Advisors.

(GK/BMcC)