I have a footbridge FE model with deck, pier and foundations. Would it be correct to consider the foundations in natural frequency simulations? Asking since it will have an effect on the system mass and stiffness.
well, hopefully the foundations are sufficiently stiff and massive that they have no effect on the bridge vibration. the connection stiffness between the bridge and foundation might need to be modelled.
Thank you both for responding to my question. So I am proceeding with taking foundation mass and stiffness into account and will ensure that the following are modelled correctly-
(a) connection between foundation and pier
(b) spring stiffness representing soil below and on sides of the foundation