Experimental analysis of the dynamic behaviour of the football stadium in Cesena (Italy)

The dynamic behaviour of the stands of the football stadium in Cesena has been investigated through an extensive experimental analysis. Due to the rhythmic action of supporters during the matches, the structure undergoes remarkable displacements and accelerations. A dynamic characterisation of the structure has been carried out by means of a vibration generator. Moreover, displacements, strains and accelerations during a football match have been recorded. The experimental analysis confirms that the frequency characterising the excitation due to supporter movement is close to the fundamental frequency of the structure. Hence, due to resonance phenomena, the dynamic magnification factor turns out to be significantly high. The investigation suggests that a conventional static analysis is not appropriate to predict the stress and deformability states of the structure in the dynamic range