Response of cantilever grandstands to crowd loads. Part 1: serviceability evaluation

Abstract

This paper considers the problem of human acceptance of vibration in grandstands. It adopts the BS frequency weighting methodology and uses the vibration dose value (VDV) as an indication of when adverse comments may be expected. Measurements were taken on a number of cantilever grandstands during concerts and football matches. These were analysed to determine peak accelerations and VDVs and some empirical relationships were derived. As human reaction at these events relates more to vibration tolerance than perception, it has been necessary to consider a logical extrapolation based on current BS guidance to suggest VDVs that are appropriate for grandstand vibration. The reactions and VDVs recorded on the grandstands appear to support this suggestion. The calculation of VDVs is also considered, but this depends to a great extent on the calculation of peak accelerations, which is considered in another paper. Finally a number of key points arising from this work are discussed.