All-GFRP footbridge under human-induced excitation

The dynamic behavior of lively footbridge is a complex problem. Recently there were numerous publications and recommendations related to the dynamic nature of footbridge. The complicated procedure which was set in a number of instructions and standards says nothing about actions aimed at avoiding critical frequency range in structure. In the paper, results of dynamic in-situ tests of cable-stayed all-GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer) footbridge are presented. Fiberline Footbridge, located in Kolding city in Denmark, was constructed in 1997 using 12 different pultruded profiles all made of GFRP material. The dynamic characteristics as well as vertical response of the tested footbridge under human excitation are given and discussed. Firstly, in order to estimate the dynamic properties of the footbridge, a series of free-decay responses under human jumping were conducted. The fundamental frequency of the analyzed structure was within a critical range. A methodology for footbridge classification with regard to their dynamic sensitivity was worked out and the correlation between the structure's properties and its dynamic response under pedestrian excitation was formulated. It was found that the analyzed footbridge fulfilled vibration comfort criteria elaborated by technical guide Sétra, however, more restricted acceleration limits suggested by Eurocode were not met