Vibration serviceability of stadia structures subjected to dynamic crowd loads: A literature review

Abstract

This paper is a critical review of information pertinent to the behaviour of stadia structures subjected to dynamic crowd loading. It is intended to introduce and explain key concepts in the field as well as summarise the development of current guidance and methods for modelling and assessing crowd occupancy. The review is structured by presenting a field overview and then rationalising the materials found into a standard vibration serviceability problem defined by the vibration source, path and receiver. After briefly introducing the problems associated with dynamic crowd loading, the loads generated by various actions of occupants are discussed. This leads into methods for modelling these activities. The derivation of relevant dynamic structural properties, through both FE modelling and field dynamic testing, is briefly investigated. The concept of human–structure interaction, the merging of dynamic properties of occupants and structure, is considered in depth. Finally, methods for assessing vibration levels are discussed and currently available codes and guidance are appraised in the context of the issues outlined. Further work is required at all stages of the excitation/source (crowd load models which account for flexible structures and large, distributed crowds), system/path (methods for accounting for the effects of occupancy upon system dynamic properties) and response/receiver (occupant tolerance levels) serviceability assessment approach in order to be able to understand and model the outlined phenomena accurately.