Dynamic Behavior of a Walkway in Theory and Field Test

The walkways between two wings of the College of Engineering and Architecture of Fribourg exhibit clearly perceptible vibrations, especially in the longitudinal direction, experienced by people on the walkway when other pedestrians cross. The dynamic behavior of these walkways was investigated in a Bachelor thesis, by step-wise refinement of theoretical modeling, verification in a field test and adapting the theoretical model with regard to the test results.

The paper reports on the different models developed for the determination of natural frequencies, i.e. simple beam-and-lumped-mass models, 2D and 3D frame models. It also presents results from a more sophisticated time-history analysis, allowing for derivation of theoretical dynamic responses. The test procedure and results of the field test performed on the walkway is also reported on. Selected results from measured responses are presented, in particular with regard to longitudinal vibrations already assessed to be governing in the theoretical analysis. Fourier amplitude spectra derived from field test results as well as experimentally resulting damping ratios and accelerations are shown as well.

Finally, the paper comments on modifications in the theoretical modeling of the vibration behavior with regard to the obtained field test results. It is completed by general and specific conclusions drawn from the theoretical analysis and the field test of this slender steel structure, being so typical for our days.

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