Ground Loading from Footsteps

A series of laboratory experiments was conducted to measure the load-time histories of the input to the ground from footsteps. The purpose of the experiments was to obtain basic input data as part of a study to improve detection of intruders by sensing seismic signals from footsteps. Three subjects, whose weights varied from 115 to 250 lb, made successive tests at rates ranging from a slow walk (almost a sneak) to running. Similar tests were run with shoes and without shoes. The test surface was varied from hard to sandy for different series of tests. Important parameters were the weight of the subject and the rate of walking. The type of footwear and the surface did not affect greatly the load-time histories.