Abstract

This paper focuses on estimating the modal parameters of the dynamic system that constitutes the pedestrian footbridge of the Science Museum of the city of Valladolid (Spain). The work consists not only of calculating natural frequencies and damping factors associated to each of the estimated modes, as many commercial software provide from acceleration measurements of tests OMA (Operational Modal Analysis) and/or EMA (Experimental modal Analysis), but the aim of this paper is to calculate the generalized masses corresponding to each of the estimated modes of the structure. For this purpose, firstly a representation of the dynamic system is obtained in the state space by SSI technique (Stochastic Subspace Identification), and secondly, vibration modes are scaled from the estimation of the residues of the decomposition in partial fractions of the frequency response function (FRF) measurements. This method gets accurate estimations in the results whose vibration modes are excited, allowing the simulation of the dynamic response of the structure without the need for updating a finite element model of the structure under study.

Abstract

Abstract

Optimization of the use of resources and adaptability of the structures to their environment are new concerns in architecture and structural engineering. At the same time, ephemeral structures are gaining relevance in the market for their uses in maintenance and repair, organization of events, rescue and emergencies and temporary works. Inflatable structures satisfy two of the points aforementioned: they require small amounts of materials and are adequate for ephemeral structures, due to their low deflated volume and lightness. They are also adaptable in the sense that their overpressure determines their load carrying capacity. However, they are inadequate for environments where high external loads may be present. Tensairity appears as a solution to this problem, increasing the carrying capacity of inflatable structures without renouncing to their advantages. This technology adds two extra structural elements to inflatable beams, with greater strengths, in order to redistribute stresses along it. The inflatable element serves then to couple the two stiff elements and to avoid buckling. This work presents and explores design possibilities of Tensairity beams with special focus on their computational modelling. Then, research is carried out regarding modular Tensairity beams, thought as a solution for deployable footbridges. A prototype was built and tested in serviceability conditions to prove the fitness of the proposal to a commercial level.