Probabilistic assessment of the dynamic response of floors under multi-pedestrian walking loads

Abstract

The dynamic behavior of floors under multi-pedestrian walking loads affects the safety, serviceability, and comfort of floor occupants. The complexity of pedestrian-induced dynamic loads necessitates a probabilistic approach to understand and predict the performance of floors under such conditions. This paper investigates the dynamic response of floors subjected to multiple-pedestrian walking loads, taking into account the randomness of the walking path and walking load. The research focuses on probabilistic multi-pedestrian walking load scenarios and utilizes Monte Carlo simulations to analyze the modal loading. An analytical equivalent Power Spectral Density (PSD) function for the modal force, based on an existing model introduced for footbridges, is proposed. Furthermore, a formula is developed to estimate the mean value of the peak acceleration response of floors. The findings of this study contribute to the advancement of simplified methods for predicting the dynamic response of floors under multiple pedestrian walking loads. These methods can enhance the accuracy and reliability of vibration serviceability assessment for floor structures.