Vibration serviceability of all-GFRP cable-stayed footbridge under various service excitations

Abstract The paper presents a study on a vibration serviceability assessment of the cable-stayed Fiberline Bridge made entirely of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) based on ambient vibration tests. In situ monitoring in the vertical direction included modal identification and vibration tests under various specific dynamic excitations (21 events) such as human-induced activities, scooter-induced excitations and aerodynamic buffeting effects induced by trains passing under the footbridge. A total of 7 natural frequencies ranging up to 21 Hz, corresponding mode shapes and damping ratios of the footbridge were identified. It was found that the footbridge meets the minimum comfort level in accordance with the Setra rules for most of the considered events. More restrictive acceleration limits suggested by Eurocode 0 were not met for these events. The obtained results provided relevant data for structural health monitoring of other all-GFRP footbridges with a similar structural system exposed to similar excitation conditions.