The role of dynamic testing in design, construction and long-term monitoring of lively footbridges

Abstract

This work aims to provide to footbridge designers a correct understanding of the usefulness of several types of dynamic testing tools that can support the design, construction, control and continuous monitoring of lively footbridges. Following the content of SYNPEX Guidelines, two different levels of assessment for the evaluation of dynamic properties of footbridges are considered and described in detail, based on two case studies: FEUP stress-ribbon footbridge, at Porto, and Pedro e Inês pedestrian bridge, at Coimbra. At last, the interest of long-term dynamic monitoring of lively footbridges requiring vibration control devices is stressed and illustrated.