Optimum and efficient design of steel foot over bridges

Abstract

This work used the Finite Element Method (FEM) to estimate the shear force for a blind shear ram type blowout preventer. In recent years, significant advancements have been made in the design of Foot Over Bridges (FOBs) through the utilization of advanced analytical methods, innovative materials, and novel bridge concepts. FOBs have gained popularity in urban India due to their ability to facilitate safe pedestrian crossings without disrupting vehicular traffic flow, thereby enhancing pedestrian safety in areas with heavy traffic. This research focuses on the development of an economically optimized steel FOB design specifically tailored for the Mumbai region. The primary objectives are to ensure durability, stability, safety, and cost-effectiveness in the design. The study involves modelling the typical span of a skywalk structure using STAAD Pro, followed by comprehensive analysis and design iterations for various configurations based on real-world spans of existing pedestrian bridges. Static loading conditions are applied to the FOB models, allowing important characteristics like weight, number of joints, number of members, weld lengths, painting surface area, and natural frequency of pedestrian bridges to be evaluated. These factors are carefully contrasted to determine the bridge design that is the most economical. Additionally, vibration tests are conducted on two selected skywalks to assess their compliance with serviceability criteria. The research scrutinizes the utilization ratio of members in the bridge structures and explores variations in section sizes within the design to achieve the optimal configuration. The findings are presented in detail, offering valuable insights into the process of identifying the most economical FOB design from the skywalks in the Mumbai suburban region. This study contributes to the enhancement of pedestrian infrastructure in urban India by delivering a robust and cost-efficient FOB design approach.