Dynamic testing and analysis of the world’s first metal 3D printed bridge
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Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The MX3D Bridge is the world’s first additively manufactured metal bridge. It is a 10.5 m-span footbridge, and its dynamic response is a key serviceability consideration. The bridge has a flowing, sculptural form and its response to footfall was initially studied using a 3D finite element (FE) model featuring the designed geometry and material properties obtained from coupon tests. The bridge was tested using experimental modal analysis (EMA) and operational modal analysis (OMA) during commissioning prior to installation. The results have shown that the measured vibration response of the bridge under footfall excitation is 200% greater than predictions based on the FE model and contemporary design guidance. The difference between predicted and measured behaviour is attributed to the complexity of the structure, underestimation of the modal mass in the FE model, and the time-variant modal behaviour of the structure under pedestrian footfall. Both OMA and EMA give a dominant natural frequency for the bridge of between 5.19 Hz and 5.32 Hz, higher than the FE model prediction of 4.31 Hz, and average damping estimates across all modes of vibration below 15 Hz of 0.61% and 0.74% respectively, higher than the 0.5% assumed within the design guidance, slightly reducing the peak response factor predicted for the bridge.
Date Issued
2022-12-01
Date Acceptance
2022-10-05
Citation
Case Studies in Construction Materials, 2022, 17
ISSN
2214-5095
Publisher
Elsevier
Journal / Book Title
Case Studies in Construction Materials
Volume
17
Copyright Statement
© 2022 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY license
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
License URL
Sponsor
Lloyd's Register Foundation
Grant Number
ATIPO000004844 (PO)
Subjects
Science & Technology
Technology
Construction & Building Technology
Engineering, Civil
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Engineering
Materials Science
3D printing
Additive manufacturing
Vibration response
Footfall induced vibration
Modal analysis
Finite element analysis
FOOTBRIDGES
MASS
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
ARTN e01541
Date Publish Online
2022-10-06