A Full Probabilistic Model for Loads Induced by Walking

In recent years, extensive tests at the Ruhr-Universität Bochum have been performed to study the inter- and intra-subject variability of walking incuded loads using a long instrumented walkway of 28 m. These highquality experiments can be used as a benchmark for results obtained from walking on instrumented treadmill devices. The paper indicates that the latter studies should be used only with special care for the evaluation of the serviceablity of a structure in regard to vibrations, since the relation between step frequency and load amplitude is somehow biased and the inter- and intra-subject variablite is homogeninized. The frequency content of the induced loads is compared to the idealized load model in today's Standards and guidelines, which assume a perfectly repeated load pattern. Strictly speaking, the idealized model only leads to realistic results for full resonance with the step frequency. A refined model is proposed which re-models the observed load patterns by a set of cubic splines applying nine control points. The proposed load model is able to reproduce the maximum accelerations with only very small deviations up to frequencies of 13 Hz. For the simulation of the load process, the inner correlation structure of the basic variables has to be studied. The analysis shows that two gender-specific models are required. The final probabilistic load model is a powerful tool for the evaluation of the serviceability of pedestrian structures and floors under random pedestrian flow.

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