vPERFORM | Background


Newly embraced use of lightweight (and high-strength) materials in construction has led to development of exceptionally beautiful and slender structural forms, especially in case of landmark public structures such as footbridges as well as walkways and corridors between buildings, at airports and shopping malls. These pedestrian structures are more sensitive to human-generated dynamic loading than ever before and their design is governed by vibration serviceability limit state. Pedestrians start interacting with these structures under certain conditions resulting in vibration-dependent dynamic force and unacceptably large errors in predictions of the actual vibration response.

vPERFORM | Objectives


This project, vPERFORM, will transform the current design practice by developing reliable predictive models of vibration performance of lightweight pedestrian structures. For the first time, vertical vibration conditions under which the interaction occurs will be identified and the interaction modelled to reflect experimental observations. This will be achieved via three objectives:

  • Employ a multidisciplinary approach by combining analysis techniques from human motion science and mathematical modelling with structural engineering application.
  • Collect unique experimental data in a purpose built VSimulators (VSim) motion platform facility.
  • Develop and validate a model for the interaction paving the way for achieving more efficient and sustainable design solutions.

Meet the team