Authors: M. A. Toso, H. M. Gomes, F. T. Silva, R. L. Pimentel

The human body may interact with the structures and these interactions are developed through the application of forces due to movement. A structure may undergo changes in their dynamic behavior when subjected to loads. In this paper, the design of a force platform is presented to measure the Ground Reaction Forces (GRF) and acceleration for human gait analysis. The platform consists of two plates placed side by side in relation to the direction of walking. Each plate has three ring-type load cells instrumented with strain gauges. The platform was validated by calibration and uncertainty evaluation in measured parameters. A finite element model was used to evaluate the dynamic features of the platform. The results were frequencies values very close to those measured in the experimental analysis and confirm its adequacy to the use, because the frequencies were higher than the frequencies involved in the human gait. Using the acceleration and force spectrum of walking vertical of several individuals, a biodynamic model for a walking pedestrian was fitted, to represent the whole effect of individuals walking in structures.

M. A. Toso¹ | H. M. Gomes¹ | F. T. Silva² | R. L. Pimentel³
1 Mechanical Engineering Department, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
2 Faculty of architecture and Urban Studies, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
3 Civil Engineering Department, Federal University of Paraíba, Brazil