Action of individual bouncing on structures

This paper investigates the action of an individual bouncing on a structure, including the load generated and the effect on the dynamic behavior of the structure. A simply supported beam at The University of Manchester is used as a supporting structure for an individual bouncing and its responses to bouncing are recorded. Four hundred thirty three tests were conducted ranging bouncing frequency from 0.4 to 3.2 Hz for determining the load factors of individual bouncing loads. Over 7,300 bouncing frequencies are identified from the tests and analyzed statistically for examining how well people respond to metronome or music beats. The frequency range for coordinated bouncing between individuals is determined and is between 1.0 and 3.1 Hz. The first four dynamic load factors or Fourier coefficients are determined based on the measurements and the concept that dynamic responses induced by the sum of harmonic functions are at discrete loading frequencies. The proposed load model is validated by comparing the predicted responses and measurements on another beam. Two hundred forty human-structure interaction tests for an individual bouncing are also conducted. It reveals that a bouncing person interacts with the test rig, but the degree of the human-structure interaction is less significant than that between a standing person and the rig. © 2009 ASCE.