Vertical Vibrations of Footbridges Due to Group Loading: Effect of Pedestrian–Structure Interaction

The vibration serviceability of footbridges has evolved from the adoption a single pedestrian crossing in resonance condition to load cases which several pedestrians cross structure simultaneously. However, spite this improvement, continue be considered as applied loads codes practice. Recent research pointed out that modeling dynamic systems is step further search for more realistic design approach. This explored paper, focusing on case vertical vibration. A two-span cable-stayed test was selected, and accelerations were measured group crossings, both at pedestrian’s waist. Numerical simulations considering modeled only also implemented, numerical experimental time response signatures compared. Reductions up 25% 20% peak RMS acceleration, respectively, obtained when systems, comparison with less model only. Such reductions shown depend number involved group. results, thus, highlight pedestrian–structure interaction an asset footbridges.