ABSTRACT
In this manuscript, a passive control algorithm was developed to find the optimal form of a new covered footbridge in order to both guarantee an adequate comfort level of the structure and minimize its budget. As optimization parameters the following variables were taken into account: (i) as design variables, the variation of the depth of the deck along the structure and the thickness of the lower wedge, (ii) as state variables, the vertical acceleration at several sections of the deck, (iii) as objective function, the total weight of the steel structure and finally (iv) as global search and optimization method, the genetic algorithms. The proposed approach was applied to the design of a footbridge in Seville (Spain), whose main function is to communicate a new business center at the outskirts of the city with the urban center. Due to its location, high pedestrian flows were expected on the footbridge. The footbridge is situated over the SE-30 highway. Its location constraints the maximum depth of its deck and further conditions the position of its piers.
