Abstract. Modelling the dynamic performance of an elevator car system represents a complex task and forms an important step in the elevator system design procedure. The need to consider the behaviour of passengers travelling in the car complicates the procedure further. This paper presents an original approach to identify the stiffness and damping characteristics of an elevator car system. A simplified model is developed and the experimental rig with a rectangular elevator platform fixed on the top of four silent blocks attached to a shaker is setup. The transmissibility measurements are carried out with a harmonic excitation applied first to a platform with no passenger load and then to the platform with one passenger within the frequency range of 1 -20 Hz. A single person standing on the platform is employed in order to assess the passenger's contribution to the dynamic behaviour of the elevator car system. The curve fitting technique implemented in MATLAB is used to determine the damping and stiffness coefficients both for the empty car system and the carpassenger system. Investigation on the tolerances for both parameters is carried out. An approach to simplify the experimental procedure and to reduce the number of individual tests is proposed.

In predictions of the dynamic behaviour of an elevator car system, it is important to take into account the influence of passengers’ behaviour in the car. In this paper a simulation model to analyse the influence of various loading car conditions on the dynamic response of the elevator system is developed. This involves the investigation of the dynamic response of the car with different loads. An experimental rig with a rectangular elevator platform fixed on the top of four silent blocks attached to a shaker is designed to conduct experimental tests. The car is excited over a range of frequencies and amplitudes. A number of passengers wearing different type of shoes in the car are investigated. The transmissibility measurements are carried out with a harmonic excitation applied first to an empty car and then to the car with a number of passengers. An excellent agreement from experimental tests with the model predictions is achieved. The passenger’s role to act as a dynamic absorber is assessed and recommendations to achieve the best ride quality under load conditions are provided and summarised.

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This paper describes the design, manufacture, installation and load testing of a 40 m long urban footbridge over the River Manzanares in Madrid, Spain. The main structure of the footbridge consists of a fibre-reinforced polymer girder. The girder was manufactured in a workshop using the resin-infusion process, which is normally used to manufacture fibreglass boat hulls. Potential problems that can arise in the manufacture of such elements are highlighted in the paper and the strategies adopted to cope with them are illustrated. The girder was transported by truck to the site where it was lifted onto reinforced concrete supports. The results of the static and dynamic load tests carried out after completion of the pedestrian bridge are presented.

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