Abstract
This article presents a numerical assessment of pedestrian-induced vibrations for a wide range of girder footbridges before and after the installation of tuned-mass dampers (TMD). Realistic pedestrian loads are defined using a stochastic model that represents the key characteristics of pedestrians and their intra- and inter-subject variability with the aim of ensuring an accurate estimation of the dynamic response. A comprehensive set of numerical analyses have been performed considering different cross sections, structural materials, span lengths (up to 100 m), and pedestrian flows. The optimal TMD characteristics, number and location, required to reduce the accelerations, down to a level that fulfils serviceability criteria, are identified. Design recommendations for girder footbridges implementing damping devices at the design stage are also included.
Highlights
A key challenge for the bridge engineering community is addressing the design of increasingly slender footbridges, some of which have relatively long spans
If any of the footbridge natural frequencies lies near the strep frequencies of the pedestrians, resonant effects leading to large response may occur, and cause discomfort to users
We investigate the dynamic response of each footbridge under pedestrian loading, with and without implementing
Summary
A key challenge for the bridge engineering community is addressing the design of increasingly slender footbridges, some of which have relatively long spans. The main uncertainties are linked to the vibration problems that can arise in footbridges due to pedestrian traffic. If any of the footbridge natural frequencies lies near the strep frequencies of the pedestrians, resonant effects leading to large response may occur, and cause discomfort to users. Supplemental damping devices are required to mitigate human-induced vibrations in footbridges. These devices are frequently chosen after the structure has been built to mitigate against unintended levels of vibration. There are situations when they are included at the design stage, but are often designed in an overlay conservative manner
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