Vibration Serviceability Evaluation of a Footbridge Using Finite Elements

Vibration serviceability of pedestrian bridges is a vital part in designing and construction of footbridges. In this study a concrete footbridge is investigated which is located inside the campus of the Sulaimani Polytechnic University (SPU). ABAQUS 6.12 is used for FE modelling and analysing the SPU Footbridge. Several international codes of practice renowned for vibration serviceability of footbridges are considered. Mode shapes and natural frequencies are obtained from ABAQUS and are compared to the recommended criteria for comfort level. It is found that by comparing the limit acceleration and comfort level with the codes of practice, the SPU Footbridge provided minimum comfort level for pedestrians