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A mathematical and computational model used to simulate crowd–structure interaction in lively footbridges is presented in this work. The model is based on the mathematical and numerical decomposition of the coupled multiphysical nonlinear system into two interacting subsystems. The model was conceived to simulate the synchronous lateral excitation phenomenon caused by pedestrians walking on footbridges. The model was first applied to simulate a crowd event on an actual footbridge, the T-bridge in Japan. Three sensitivity analyses were then performed on the same benchmark to evaluate the properties of the model. The simulation results show good agreement with the experimental data found in literature and the model could be considered a useful tool for designers and engineers in the different phases of footbridge design. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A mathematical model conceived to simulate the mechanics of synchronous lateral excitation induced by pedestrians on footbridges is presented in this Note. The model is based on the mathematical and numerical decomposition of the coupled multiphysical non-linear system into two interacting subsystems: the Structure system, whose dynamics is described by the non-linear equation of motion, and the Crowd system, which is described by a first-order hydrodynamic model governed by the mass conservation equation. The model was applied to the simulation of a crowd event recorded on the T-bridge in Japan and results are commented on. To cite this article: F. Venuti, L. Bruno, C. R. Mecanique 335 (2007). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]