Human Induced Vibration Assessments - Challenges and Limitations

In the last few decades Clients demand evermore functional, cost effective and aesthetically pleasing solutions, whether it is for a building, a sport venue, a bridge or a staircase. These slender structures are susceptible to dynamic vibration induced by pedestrian and crowds. Over the years, human induced vibration on structures has been extensively investigated within university research programmes, sometimes in collaboration with private and public organisations. Hence, a large number of publications are available to structural engineers when assessing structures for the effects of human induced vibration. Commercial projects often demand comprehensive analyses within the constraints of programme, resource and budget. Hence, when embarking on a human induced vibration assessment, the structural engineer faces the challenge of choosing an appropriate approach, with sufficient rigour, whilst still meeting the Client’s expectations within programme and budget.