Modelling of Synchronized Jumping Crowds on Grandstands

Abstract Synchronized jumping is considered to be the most significant dynamic load on grandstand structures induced by humans. In order to accurately predict reliability and serviceability at the design stage, computational models with proper characterization of these kinds of external loads are required. In this contribution, we will focus on categorization and description of load, providing thus an overview of various approaches to simulate forces induced by a synchronized jumping crowds. Standard models, such as equivalent static load or simple approximations in time and frequency domain, will be recalled. Because the true load induced by a crowd is inherently random, more advanced models will be discussed as well. These are based on Monte Carlo generators or semi-analytical probabilistic models. Finally, all discussed approaches will be demonstrated on a simple test example.