Dynamic assessment of a FRP suspension footbridge

In the past decade, the vibration serviceability of slender footbridges has become the subject of serious investigation. Despite the advantages that FRP materials offer in bridge engineering such as higher strength-to-weight ratio and ease of installation, their use in the construction of slender footbridges has raised concerns with regard to their dynamic response, due to the reduced mass and stiffness of these materials compared with their conventional counterparts. In this paper, the dynamic assessment of a FRP suspension footbridge (the Wilcott footbridge) is described. This is performed using dynamic field testing supported by finite element (FE) modelling: the field testing on the bridge produced values for frequencies, mode shapes and damping which were consequently used to calibrate the FE model. Using the calibrated FE model it was shown that the influence of semistructural or non-structural elements, such as parapets, on the dynamic properties of the structure can be significant. The dynamic response of the structure due to human excitation was also measured during the test. The results confirmed that suspension footbridges built from FRP materials are susceptible to vibrations induced by pedestrians. The response levels of the investigated bridge are lower than the threshold levels specified in the relevant code of practice. © 2009, NetComposites Limited

Simulation of damage scenarios in an FRP composite suspension footbridge

Simulations of damage scenarios were carried out using a finite element model of a newly constructed FRP composite footbridge, the Wilcott footbridge. This footbridge represents a new generation of suspension footbridges that have lightweight decks made of pultruded glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite elements. It offers several advantages over conventional steel or concrete footbridges, e.g. speed of installation, high resistance to corrosion and saving in weight and foundations. On the other hand, its lightness and slenderness make it more sensitive to dynamic effects, both at serviceability and ultimate limit states. A finite element model using 3-D beam elements was constructed and damage scenarios were simulated and introduced in the model. The natural frequencies, mode shapes as well as time responses due to pedestrian loading were predicted. Different size of delamination in the composite deck was simulated at various locations along the bridge. The sensitivity of natural frequencies and mode shapes due to delamination were assessed by comparing the results of the damaged deck to those of the reference intact deck. The effect of changes in the cables' initial strains on the modal parameters was also examined, and the sensitivity of modal parameters to cable degradation was assessed