Serviceability assessment of the Góis footbridge using vibration monitoring

Footbridges are structures that may experience vibration amplification problems caused by pedestrian and/or wind actions. Design codes deal with these phenomena limiting the natural frequencies and the maximum accelerations expected. Aiming at taking into consideration these dynamic phenomena, current procedures to evaluate the structural performance of light-weight bridges based on experimental dynamic analysis are evaluated in this study. To achieve this, the dynamic response of three pedestrians walking, running and jumping was obtained. Maximum comfort limits of dynamic responses were then determined. The results indicate that codes could overestimate the level of vibration in this kind of footbridge(undefined

The cargo tram: Current status and perspectives, the example of Brussels

Purpose The purpose of this chapter is first to establish a state of the art about cargo tram, in order to understand its opportunities and con- straints. In a second step, the aim is to add an often overlooked spatial dimension in the analysis, which may offer a renewed insight into the issue and extend the understanding of the potential use of urban light rail for freight. Design/methodology/approach The first step of the analysis is carried out through a study of the literature. In particular, the potential use of cargo tram for the various urban supply chains is evaluated. The aim is to establish a European state of the art on urban light rail use for freight. Then, to concretise these elements and to add an empirical geographical approach, the Brussels situation is studied in detail. Findings This combination of a theoretical analysis and a field approach of the case of Brussels allows us to lead an original study. Obstacles, opportunities and interest for the implementation of cargo trams are specified. In addition, the use of geographical approach gives a new point of view since most of the publications in this field are based on economic or technical approaches. Practical implications This study may help public and private actors involved in urban freight matters, as well as public transport companies, to better understand the issues related to cargo trams. In a context where this transport mode is promoted and discussed in a growing number of cities and urban supply chains, it is useful to get an objective synthesis and a prospective analysis on this topic. This research may also have social implications in the way it helps to define a more sustainable urban logistics. Originality/value The originality of this research is related to the com- bination of a theoretical and empirical approach, to the link that is made between urban supply chains and capabilities of cargo trams and finally to the prospective study on the Brussels case. Indeed, because of the novelty of the topic, there are very few studies, either ex-post or ex-ante.SCOPUS: ar.kinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe