Case Study: schlaich bergermann partner achieves reliable vibration control for an asymmetric cable-stayed footbridge with Oasys GSA

Structural design and dynamic assessment of an asymmetric cable-stayed footbridge using Oasys GSA

schlaich bergermann partner (sbp) designed an asymmetric, cable-stayed pedestrian and bicycle footbridge in Bad Hersfeld, Germany, and needed to assess its structural and pedestrian-induced dynamic behaviour. Using Oasys Software’s GSA and GSA Bridge tools, the team analyzed a bridge with low inherent damping, critical vertical natural frequencies, and comfort limits that had to be checked for normal use, inauguration conditions, and vandalism scenarios.

Oasys Software used GSA modal and harmonic analysis to evaluate the bridge’s vibration response against HIVOSS-based pedestrian loading models. The analysis showed accelerations within acceptable limits for normal traffic and vandalism, with the most critical case reaching 0.98 m/s² against a 1.0 m/s² limit; the study also led to provision for tuned mass dampers, and post-construction measurements confirmed the model with damping increasing from about 1% to over 7% in the critical mode, reducing vibrations and meeting comfort requirements.

schlaich bergermann partner (sbp)

Andreas Schnubel

Managing Director