Vibration control study of a suspension footbridge using hybrid slotted bolted connection elements

摘要

A hybrid finite element of a slotted bolted connection element (SBCE) is developed which constitutes a frictional damper and two truss elements. The damping mechanism of the damper is based on the micro-slip elements in the contact surface, and the damping properties can be designed for any specific requirements by adjusting several design parameters which in turn, depends on the physical parameters of the joint. Simulation studies are reported on the vibration mitigation of a suspension footbridge due to pedestrian loading with twenty-eight SBCEs. The dynamic load model reported in the London Millennium Footbridge [Struct. Eng. 79 (2001) 17] is adopted. Recommendations on the design of parameters of the dampers are given. The damping by energy dissipation in the structure is discussed with reference to the time response history of the structure and the hysteretic loops of the dampers.