Dynamics of the Hungerford Millennium footbridges, UK

Hungerford Bridge Millennium Project in London, UK—a complex seven-span multi-cable-stayed structure—was under construction at the time of the oscillations of the nearby Bankside Millennium Footbridge. The design criteria and methods of calculation used to assess oscillation and displacement are described. The results of physical testing of the bridge by mechanically induced vibration and by a walkover test are compared to the calculated values. The calculations predicted performance in service with adequate accuracy. Measurement of structural damping during the physical tests indicated that it was lower than expected.