Field testing of pedestrian bridges

Abstract

The chapter contains basic information related to field static and dynamic testing of pedestrian bridges. A brief overview of test objectives and test classification is presented. The chapter also covers the stages of preparation for testing, aspects of test program creating, methods of static and dynamic loading of footbridges. A sequence of test organization and execution are also presented. The second part of the chapter discusses the aspects of processing and evaluation of static and dynamic test results as well as aspects of comparing them with results obtained by the theoretical modeling of the bridge. The chapter presents requirements for pedestrian bridges specified in the design codes and recommendations of various countries. These need to be taken into account in assessing the results of the tested bridges. The chapter concludes with a discussion on the presentation of the test results and aspects of assessment of the bridge condition according to the test data. The presented material may be useful to researchers and experts involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of pedestrian bridges.