Vibration analysis of frame and cable-stayed footbridges by VAFCAF

The computer program 'VAFCAF' (Vibration Analysis of Frame and CAble-stayed Footbridges) has been developed; it is based on the finite element method and is intended for use in analysing the behaviours of cable-stayed footbridges, continuous beams and plane frames. The Timoshenko beam element has been incorporated into the program. Jennings' solution for eigenvalue problems is adopted to minimise the size of computer storage thus gaining advantage over storing the large sparseness in matrix. Natural frequencies, mode shapes and maximum vertical acceleration are given in the output. Comparisons of results with computer program FREMOD, model tests and full size cable-stayed footbridges show that the program is accurate enough for practical use. The theoretical background is given. (A)