No abstract

<p>This paper presents the dynamic measurements performed at two pedestrian bridges in Sweden subjected to different loading scenarios. Using accelerometers, the natural frequencies, the experimental mode shapes, and damping properties were determined for each bridge. Analysis were performed using the generalized single degree of freedom theory, the finite element method and the coupled system approach taking into account the flying phase of the running load. Additionaly, a simplified sensitivity analysis is presented in terms of accelerations due to the pedestrian transient event of a running load case. Results indicate that there is an excellent agreement between the aforementioned modelling strategies and, that it is possible to have human structure interaction under running load scenarios.</p>

<p>The Goián - Cerveira footbridge over the Miño river, result of an international competition held in 2017, will connect the Espazo Fortaleza park in Goián-Tomiño, Spain, and the Castelinho park in Vila Nova de Cerveira, Portugal.</p><p>The proposed footbridge saves a main span of 265m, and is a suspended structure, with two towers located on the riverbanks, avoiding intermediate supports on the riverbed, and only one suspension cable. The towers are located not centered with the axis of the footbridge deck, that adopts a curved layout both in plan and in elevation. The curved layout in plan fits better to the footbridge arrival in both riverbanks, and improves its structural behavior. Indeed, the eccentric location of the suspension cable within the deck generates important horizontal transverse forces, that are supported by the curved deck by behaving as an arch. This configuration is also very convenient for supporting and controlling wind loads. It is a classic bridge type -suspended bridge- but with a singular configuration due to the curved layout of the deck and its arc-like behavior.</p><p>The result is a very subtle and slender structure, a “line over the Miño river”, that highly preserves the environmental values of the river and the landscape.</p>

The final project of an engineering degree represents a test of maturity where students must crossexamine all the contents studied in the degree which adds technical difficulties. Traditionally the students are supervised by only one teacher and they usually also take a previous course in the writing of the project. Currently, the program of the Civil Engineering Degree contemplates this activity in the last semester with an allocation of 18 credits. The hardest difficulty noted by students and teachers is the short time estimated for writing it. A teaching innovation project is presented herein which aims to define a working protocol in order to help the student in a more efficient and close way during the development of the task. Among the methodological changes introduced, it should be highlighted the tutoring by professors from different areas of knowledge instead of only one professor as it was traditionally done. Thus, coordination mechanisms must be implemented to guarantee the achievement of the proposed objectives. The innovation project also helps to identify tasks that can be advanced in time and gain time for the effective drafting of the project. Some other solutions found will be presented as well as a comparison of the results obtained along this year with those of the former methodology.