Viscoelastic damper for vibration mitigation of footbridges

Abstract Footbridges are among long-span light-weight structures that because of their low damping ratio susceptible to vibration. Excessive vibration in footbridges usually occurs when they subjected rhythmic dynamic loads caused by human activities like walking and running. In order mitigate the induced vibrations footbridges, an increase is often suggested as most economical approach. Tuned mass dampers have been widely used for this purpose, however, installation maintenance costs high. This has encouraged researchers examine efficiency other types dampers. Viscoelastic successfully employed mitigation against wind earthquake loads. However, reducing not addressed. study, a real footbridge with free span 22.5 m width 2.3 was selected numerical investigations. SAP2000 program establish finite element (FE) model footbridge. The established FE validated comparing its natural frequencies those measured on field. results indicated acceleration response exceeded code specified limit. Therefore, viscoelastic damper designed installed under reduce below allowable level. Installation significantly decreased vibrations. It concluded were efficient solution problems footbridges.