Vibration performance of a lightweight FRP footbridge under human dynamic excitation

Abstract

Fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are increasingly used as main load bearing materials in design of pedestrian bridges. The FRP footbridges are typically characterised by high strength, and relatively low mass and stiffness. These properties could lead to excessive vibration response under human-induced dynamic loading. This paper studies dynamic performance of a 19.8 m long, simply supported, FRP footbridge exposed to walking and jogging. Moreover, the vibration response of this bridge is compared and critically evaluated against the response of an equivalent, in terms of natural frequency and span length, composite steel-concrete structure. The main factors that drive the vibration performance of the FRP structure are discussed and some recommendations for vibration serviceability checks are made.