A Multiaxial Test Framework for the Evaluation of Human Gait-Induced Loads on Lateral Harmonic Surfaces

Abstract

Abstract The introduction of increasingly resistant and light-weight materials in the construction industry, coupled with the hypothesis of a global regeneration of urban structures with higher technical and aesthetic requirements, has resulted in civil structures such as bleachers, stairs, slabs, and foot-bridge being vulnerable to excessive vibrations due to dynamic loads, especially human-induced loads. These loads present adaptive phenomena due to structural vibrations generated by the coupling effects of Human-Structure Interaction (HSI). Two main aspects are considered in the effects of HSI: the change in dynamic properties of the structure due to the additional presence of non-stationary mass, and the degree of coupling between people in transit, as well as between them and the structure. Therefore, this paper focuses on the study of the last aspect considered through the development of a Dynamic Platform, the Human-Structure Interaction Multiaxial Test Framework (HSI-MTF), to acquire three-dimensional loads induced by human gait under the effects of lateral harmonic motions. An experimental campaign was conducted with a test subject to evaluate gait loads under lateral sinusoidal movements and on rigid surface. The lateral loads, and frequency content induced by the human gait during the HSI-MTF lateral surface displacement protocols were analyzed.