Vibration testing and FE modelling oF a lively footbridge

The paper focuses on the results of dynamic testing and numerical simulation of a suspension footbridge. The experimental part of the study involved both operational modal testing and measurement of the structural response under the crossing of the footbridge by different groups of pedestrians. The footbridge exhibited quite complex dynamic characteristics (i.e. closely spaced modes and 5 modes in the frequency range 2-3 Hz) and the maximum vertical accelerations induced by pedestrians and joggers turned out to be in the range of discomfort. The investigation was completed by the development of a numerical FE model (based on the design data), with the twofold objective of reproducing the observed dynamic characteristics and simulating the dynamic interaction pedestrians-structure.