Numerical analysis of a synchronization phenomenon: Pedestrian-structure interaction

  • Authors:
  • Tommaso Morbiato;Renato Vitaliani;Anna Saetta

  • Affiliations:
  • Structural Engineer, Padova, Italy;Department of Construction and Transportation, via Marzolo 9, University of Padova, Padova 35131, Italy;Department of Research, Dorsoduro 2206, University IUAV - Venice, Venice 30123, Italy

  • Venue:
  • Computers and Structures
  • Year:
  • 2011

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Abstract

The pedestrian-structure interaction is considered by developing a non-linear double pendulum model, representing the lateral walking of the pedestrian and the horizontal vibration mode of the structure. To understand the synchronization phenomenon, the two oscillators were considered in their phase spaces, and a ring-dynamics approach was applied. As synchronization occurs, pedestrian motion becomes in phase quadrature with a quarter-of-period in advance of the bridge motion: this ensures stability of walking conditions on a moving deck, but causes random cancellation of forces typical of an incoherent crowd. Correspondingly, the lateral force transmitted to the structure increases its value, approaching resonance conditions.