Analysis of the levels of vibration measured by a dynamic monitoring system at Coimbra footbridge

Abstract

Coimbra footbridge is a new structure that connects both banks of Mondego River. Preliminary studies developed during design stage and experimental tests with pedestrians conducted during construction have confirmed the vulnerability of the structure to vertical and horizontal vibrations. As result, it was decided to install Tuned Mass Dampers to control vibration and a dynamic monitoring system to observe the structural response during a period of one year after its conclusion. In this context, this paper describes the functioning of the whole monitoring system, as well as the results of the analysis of the vibrations levels measured during that period.