Experimental investigations of a multi-span flexible structure subjected to moving masses

This paper is concerned with the dynamic response of multi-span flexible structures excited by moving masses. A four-span beam on simple supports was built and the deflections at eight locations along the structure produced by one or two steel balls rolling over it at various speeds are measured by laser displacement transducers. The travelling speeds of the moving masses are also measured by laser sensors. A dynamic (theoretical) model of the structure is established and a statistical assessment of the error variability presented. The numerical results are compared with the experimental results and good agreement is achieved.