Impact of Dynamic Soil-Structure Interaction on Performance of a Single Span Footbridge with Overhangs Subjected to Mining-Induced Shocks

The impact of the dynamic soil-structure interaction (DSSI) on the response of a single-span footbridge to mining-induced shocks was assessed. Firstly, the eigen values, modes and damping of the footbridge were evaluated based on in-operation field tests. Then, natural frequencies were determined numerically by a model usually used in static calculations, i.e., a simple supported beam with overhangs. The numerical natural frequencies turned out to be inconsistent with the experimentally determined values. In turn, the model, assuming the overhangs’ ends translationally restrained, gave natural frequency values closer to the experimental ones. However, for the third mode, that is lateral, the frequency error (~26%) can be considered greater than usually accepted values. Hence, the three-dimensional numerical model of the footbridge was tuned by considering the DSSI between the overhangs and the ground, and implementing springs (in three directions) at the overhangs’ ends. To estimate the impact of DSSI on the dynamic performance of the footbridge, time history analyses were carried out for the model with fixed overhang ends and for the model with additional springs. Two different types of mining-induced tremors were used as excitations. Those two tremors (narrow and wide band) induced different dynamic responses in the models with and without the springs. Hence, the impact of the DSSI on the dynamic footbridge performance needs to be considered to predict the effect of mining-induced shocks.