Pedestrian bridges structure; assessment of comfort and impact of human-induced vibration

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Gaawan, Sameh M.^{a; *} | El-Robaa, Ahmed S.^b

Affiliations: [a] Associate Professor of Structural Engineering, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt | [b] Senior Structural Steel Engineer, Dar Al-Handasah Consultants, Cairo, Egypt

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author. Sameh M. Gaawan, Associate Professor of Structural Engineering, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt. E-mail: [email protected].

Abstract:  The study aimed to assess the pedestrian bridge structure along with the assessment of associated comfort due to human-induced vibration. It has focused on evaluating the footbridge behaviour consisting of two composite steel beams. The footfall analysis is carried out by Robot Structural Analysis software. It is noticed that human comfort is easily achieved for longer spans. An inverse relationship was found between natural frequency and bridge span. Human-induced vibrations produced human discomfort further leading to several incidents which could be avoided by abiding with the limits shown in several guidelines and standards. The study has addressed the issues of human-induced vibrations and comfort towards the structures of pedestrian bridges.

Keywords: Pedestrian bridges, human comfort, human-induced vibrations

DOI: 10.3233/BRS-190148

Journal: Bridge Structures, vol. 15, no. 1-2, pp. 3-13, 2019