Identification of Dynamic Parameters of Pedestrian Walking Model Based on a Coupled Pedestrian–Structure System

Abstract

As human occupancy has an enormous effect on the dynamics of light, flexible, large-span, low-damping structures, which are sensitive to human-induced vibrations, it is essential to investigate the effects of pedestrian–structure interaction. The single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) mass–spring–damping (MSD) model, the simplest dynamical model that considers how pedestrian mass, stiffness and damping impact the dynamic properties of structures, is widely used in civil engineering. With field testing methods and the SDOF MSD model, this study obtained pedestrian dynamics parameters from measured data of the properties of both empty structures and structures with pedestrian occupancy. The parameters identification procedure involved individuals at four walking frequencies. Body frequency is positively correlated to the walking frequency, while a negative correlation is observed between the body damping ratio and the walking frequency. The test results further show a negative correlation between the pedestrian’s frequency and his/her weight, but no significant correlation exists between one’s damping ratio and weight. The findings provide a reference for structural vibration serviceability assessments that would consider pedestrian–structure interaction effects.