A general approach to model human-structure interaction in the case of slender structures

The paper deals with a general approach for modeling human-structure interaction in slender structures. Vertical vibrations are addressed in the paper. The proposed approach relies on the model of the complete system and on a solution procedure capable to account for the most complex dynamic conditions. The effects of changes in pedestrians positions along the structure and of changes in pedestrians postures during motion are combined, therefore taking into account different and time varying mechanical impedances.Moreover, the developed model describes the coupled system (i.e., structure plus people on the structure) through the definition of two different actions of pedestrians: passive and active forces. This approach was used to evaluate the dynamic interactions between a light slender structure and pedestrians. The proposed approach was validated by carrying out experimental tests on a staircase and results show a good match between the predicted vibrations and the experimentally found ones.