Affiliations: Department of Civil and Structural Engineering,
University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
Note: [] Corresponding author: Vitomir Racic, Lecturer in Structural
Engineering, Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, University of
Sheffield, Sir Frederick Mappin Building, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK. Tel.: +44 (0)
114 222 5727; Fax: +44 (0) 114 222 5700; E-mail: v.racic@ sheffield.ac.uk
Abstract: This paper provides a critical overview of available technology and
facilities for determining human-induced dynamic forces of civil engineering
structures, such as due to walking, running, jumping and bouncing. In addition
to traditional equipment for direct force measurements comprising force
plate(s), foot pressure insoles and instrumented treadmills, the review also
investigates possibility of using optical motion tracking systems (marker-based
and marker-free optoelectronic technology) and non-optical motion tracking
systems (inertial sensors) to reproduce contact forces between humans and
structures based on body kinematics data and known body mass distribution.
Although significant technological advancements have been made in the last
decade, the literature survey showed that the state-of-the-art force
measurements are often limited to individuals in artificial laboratory
environments. Experimental identification of seriously needed group- and
crowd-induced force data recorded on as-built structures, such as footbridges,
grandstands and floors, still remains a challenge due to the complexity of
human actions and the lack of adequate equipment.
