Ambient vibration based seismic evaluation of isolated Gülburnu highway bridge

This paper describes ambient vibration based seismic evaluation procedure of an isolated highway bridge. The procedure includes finite element modeling, ambient vibration testing, finite element model updating and time history analysis. Gülburnu Highway Bridge located on the Giresun–Espiye state highway is selected as a case study. Three dimensional finite element model of the bridge is created by SAP2000 software to determine the dynamic characteristics analytically. Since input force is not measured, Operational Modal Analysis is applied to identify dynamic characteristics. Enhanced Frequency Domain Decomposition and Stochastic Subspace Identification methods are used to obtain experimental dynamic characteristics. Analytical and experimental dynamic characteristic are compared with each other and finite element model of the bridge is updated by changing of material properties to reduce the differences between the results. Analytical model of the bridge after model updating is analyzed using 1992 Erzincan earthquake record to determine the seismic behavior. EW, NS and UP components of the ground motion are applied to the bridge at the longitudinal, transverse and vertical directions, respectively. It is demonstrated that the ambient vibration measurements are enough to identify the most significant modes of highway bridges. Maximum differences between the natural frequencies are reduced averagely from 9% to 2% by model updating. It is seen from the earthquake analyses that friction pendulum isolators are very effective in reducing the displacements and internal forces.     

Dynamic performance of twin curved cable‐stayed bridges

The dynamic behaviour of two curved cable‐stayed bridges, recently constructed in northern Italy, has been investigated by full‐scale testing and theoretical models. Two different excitation techniques were employed in the dynamic tests: traffic‐induced ambient vibrations and free vibrations. Since the modal behaviour identified from the two types of test are very well correlated and a greater number of normal modes was detected during ambient vibration tests, the validity of the ambient vibration survey is assessed in view of future monitoring. For both bridges, 11 vibration modes were identified in the frequency range of 0ndash;10Hz, being a one‐to‐one correspondence between the observed modes of the two bridges. Successively, the information obtained from the field tests was used to validate and improve 3D finite elements so that the dynamic performance of the two systems were assessed and compared based on both the experimental results and the updated theoretical models. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Ambient vibration measurements on a cable-stayed bridge

An extensive programme of full-scale ambient vibration tests has been conducted to measure the dynamic response of a 542 m (centre span of 274 m) cable-stayed bridge—the Quincy Bayview Bridge in Illinois. A microcomputer-based system was used to collect and analyse the ambient vibration data. A total of 25 modal frequencies and associated mode shapes were identified for the deck structure within the frequency range of 0–2 Hz. Also, estimations were made for damping ratios. The experimental data clearly indicated the occurrence of many closely spaced modal frequencies and spatially complicated mode shapes. Most tower modes were found to be associated with the deck modes, implying a considerable interaction between the deck and tower structure. No detectable levels of motion were evident at the foundation support of the pier. The results of the ambient vibration survey were compared to modal frequencies and mode shapes computed using a three-dimensional finite element model of the bridge. For most modes, the analytic and experimental modal frequencies and mode shapes compare quite well, especially for the vertical modes. Based on the findings of this study, a linear elastic finite element model appears to be capable of capturing much of the complex dynamic behaviour of the bridge with very good accuracy, when compared to the low-level dynamic responses induced by ambient wind and traffic excitations.     

Traffic‐induced variability in dynamic properties of cable‐stayed bridge

The traffic‐induced variability in the dynamic properties of a cable‐stayed bridge is investigated using ambient vibration measurements. Under a relatively steady wind and temperature environment, the ambient vibration test was conducted on the bridge with normal traffic conditions and totally 24 h acceleration response time histories were recorded. These data are divided into 12 sections with each data section containing 2 h measurements. Thereby the modal variability due to changing traffic loading is investigated through post‐processing of the data in each section in both amplitude and frequency domains. The result indicates that the natural frequencies of the global modes can exhibit as much as 1% variation within a day. The modal amplitudes of each mode as well as the modal deflection at each measurement position vary insignificantly. The damping ratios however are sensitive to the vibration intensity, especially when the deck vibration exceeds a certain level. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Modal identification of structures from ambient vibration,free vibration,and seismic response data via a subspace approach

This work presents a unified procedure for determining the natural frequencies, modal damping ratios and modal shapes of a structure from its ambient vibration, free vibration and earthquake response data. To evaluate the coefficient matrices of a state‐space model, the proposed procedure applies a subspace approach cooperating with an instrumental variable concept. The dynamic characteristics of a structure are determined from the coefficient matrices. The feasibility of the procedure is demonstrated through processing an in situ ambient vibration measurement of a five‐storey steel frame, an impulse response measurement of a three‐span continuous bridge, and simulated earthquake responses of five‐storey steel frames from shaking table tests. The excellent agreement of the results obtained herein with those published previously confirms the feasibility of the present procedure. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

DYNAMIC INVESTIGATION OF A REPAIRED CABLE-STAYED BRIDGE

The theoretical and experimental investigation of a cable-stayed bridge after major repair is described in this paper. Strengthening mainly involved the suspension system (originally with prestressed concrete stays) which was retrofitted by means of external tendons. Full-scale tests were conducted to measure the dynamic response of the repaired system; the experimental program included both traffic-induced and free vibration measurements. A total of 16 vertical frequencies and mode shapes were identified in the frequency range of 0–10 Hz. In the theoretical study, vibration modes involving deck, towers and cables were determined by using finite element models which accounted for the strengthening effects. Two- and three-dimensional models were used so that the importance of three-dimensional modes was estimated as well. The experimental results were compared to natural frequencies and mode shapes computed using theoretical models. For most modes the measured and predicted modal parameters compare well, especially for the vertical modes involving in-phase motion of the stays. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Structural identification of Egnatia Odos bridges based on ambient and earthquake induced vibrations

The dynamic characteristics of two representative R/C bridges on Egnatia Odos motorway in Greece are estimated based on low amplitude ambient and earthquake-induced vibrations. The present work outlines the instrumentation details, algorithms for computing modal characteristics (modal frequencies, damping ratios and modeshapes), modal-based finite element model (FEM) updating methods for estimating structural parameters, and numerical results for the modal and structural dynamic characteristics of the two bridges based on ambient and earthquake induced vibrations. Transverse, bending and longitudinal modes are reliably identified and stiffness-related properties of the piers, deck and elastomeric bearings of the FEMs of the two bridges are estimated. Results provide qualitative and quantitative information on the dynamic behavior of the bridge systems and their components under low-amplitude vibrations. Modeling assumptions are discussed based on the differences in the characteristics identified from ambient and earthquake vibration measurements. The sources of the differences observed between the identified modal and structural characteristics of the bridges and those predicted by FEMs used for design are investigated and properly justified.     

佛开高速九江大桥模态测试与分析

对主跨为160m的预应力砼变截面连续梁桥佛开高速九江大桥进行了理论与实验模态分析．首先介绍了环境激励条件下现场模态测试布置及过程,利用随机子空间法（SSI）进行了桥梁模态参数识别．建立了桥梁有限元模型．并对理论和实验模态分析结果进行了比较和讨论。实验与有限元计算结果在竖向模态频率及振型上总体吻合较好。测试结果可以为有限元模型修正提供依据：模态测试与有限元分析相结合．可以为桥梁长期健康监测和损伤评估提供较可靠的基准模型。     

Identification of modal parameters of a 600-m-high skyscraper from field vibration tests

Accurate prediction of the dynamic responses of a high-rise building subjected to dynamic loads such as earthquake and wind excitations requires the information of its structural dynamic properties such as modal parameters including natural frequencies and damping ratios. This paper presents the identification results of the modal parameters based on field vibration tests on a 600-m high skyscraper. A set of tests, including ambient vibration test (AVT) and free vibration test (FVT), were conducted on the skyscraper to identify its modal parameters. Firstly, this paper presents and discusses the modal parameters of the skyscraper assessed by several identification methods applied to the AVT measurements. These methods include the wavelet transform (WT) method, the stochastic subspace identification (SSI) method, and the random decrement technique (RDT). Secondly, an active mass damper (AMD) system with total mass 1000 tons equipped into the skyscraper was used to excite the building for estimation of the modal parameters by FVT. Thirdly, this paper presents observations on the structural dynamic behavior of the skyscraper with the operation of the AMD system during a typhoon event. The field measurement results show that the AMD system functioned efficiently for suppression of the wind-induced vibrations of the skyscraper during the typhoon. This paper aims to further understand the structural dynamic properties of super-tall buildings and provide useful information for structural design and vibration control of future skyscrapers.     

Analysis of the observed seismic response of a highway bridge

Strong-motion accelerograms obtained on the San Juan Bautista 156/101 Separation Bridge during the 6 August 1979 Coyote Lake, California, earthquake are used to examine the response of this multiple-span bridge to moderate levels of earthquake loading. Although the bridge was not damaged, the records are of significant engineering interest as they are the first to be recorded on a highway bridge structure in North America. A technique of system identification is used to determine optimal modal parameters for linear models which can closely replicate the observed time-domain seismic response of the bridge. Time variations in frequency and damping in the horizontal response are identified using a moving-window analysis. A three-dimensional finite element model is developed to study the bridge response in detail. The first two horizontal modal frequencies computed from this model are in excellent agreement with information obtained during the system identification analysis provided the finite element model's expansion joints are locked, preventing relative translational motions from occurring across the joints. Locking is confirmed by the observed seismic deformations of the structure in the fundamental mode. Fundamental vertical frequencies of the individual spans, predicted by the finite element model, are in very good agreement with ambient vibration test data.     

Results from field testing A curved box girder bridge using simulated earthquake loads

This paper presents the results of a unique field test on a curved highway overpass. In the test, large horizontal loads were applied to the superstructure of the bridge and quickly released, causing the bridge to vibrate. The resulting large-amplitude vibrations were intended to be similar to the vibrations caused by earthquakes (horizontal accelerations of up to 25 per cent of gravity were measured on the bridge deck). Well-defined lateral, longitudinal, vertical and torsional vibration modes were identified from the test data. The vibration modes were used to verify an analytical model of the bridge's dynamic response. For this paper, the model was verified using only the fundamental vibration mode, which was primarily a horizontal vibration mode. Using a system identification procedure, the dynamic response model was adjusted until its frequency and mode shape matched the measured frequency and mode shape. Parameters in the verified model were compared with the same parameters calculated from information in the structural drawings. Because the fundamental mode represents a horizontal mode, the bridge parameters identified in this paper were those parameters which strongly influence the horizontal response of the bridge.     

A reassessment of dynamic characteristics of the Quincy Bayview Bridge using output‐only identification techniques

A reassessment of the dynamic characteristics of the 542 m cable‐stayed Bayview Bridge in Quincy, Illinois, is presented using a newly developed output‐only system identification technique. The technique is applied to an extensive set of ambient vibration response data acquired from the bridge in 1987. Vertical, torsional and transverse modal frequencies of the deck are identified, and uncertainty in damping values are estimated using an automated procedure on several redundant measurements at four locations. Important practical implementation issues associated with the implementation of the procedure and selection of algorithm design parameters for stochastic subspace identification techniques are discussed. An overall mean and standard deviation of damping of 1.0±0.8% is estimated considering all identified vertical, torsional and transverse modes in the 0–2 Hz band. The mean damping for the fundamental vertical mode (0.37 Hz) is identified as 1.4±0.5%, and for the first coupled torsion–transverse mode (0.56 Hz) is identified as 1.1±0.8%. Variability in the damping estimates is shown to decrease as estimated modal RMS acceleration levels increase. Standard deviations on estimated damping range from 0.05% to 2%. The results are shown to be a substantial improvement in the evaluation of damping compared to earlier spectral analysis conducted on the same data set. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Identification of Fei-Tsui arch dam from both ambient and seismic response data

This purpose of this paper is to study the dynamic characteristics of the Fei-Tsui arch dam using the seismic response data and the ambient vibration data. For the identification of dam properties from seismic response data, the multiple inputs from the abutment of the dam to represent the nonuniform excitations of seismic input motion are considered, and the ARX model is applied using the discrete-time linear filtering approach with least-squares approximation to identify the dynamic characteristics of the dam. The system modal dampings, natural frequencies and frequency response functions are identified. A comparison of the identified modal parameters is made among different seismic events. Post-earthquake safety evaluation of the dam can be made based on the identified model. Finally, the ambient vibration test of the dam is performed to identify the mode shapes along the dam crest.     

风力发电机地基的现场加速度测试和数值模拟

对某风电场风力发电机地基进行现场加速度测试,在土动力性能室内试验的基础上利用有限元对风机基础—地基系统进行数值模拟。在地基加速度的峰值、衰减规律和频率上,现场测试与计算结果吻合较好,验证了动力数值分析模型及相关参数取值的合理性,为建立风机振动对周围环境影响的数值模型提供了依据。     

CFRP composite retrofitting effect on the dynamic characteristics of arch dams

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of retrofitting dynamic characteristics of a damaged laboratory arch dam model, subsequently repaired with high-strength structural mortar and strengthened with composite carbon fiber reinforced polymer. This study constructed in laboratory conditions is a prototype arch dam–reservoir–foundation model. Five test cases of ambient vibration on the arch dam model illustrate the changes in dynamic characteristics: natural frequency, mode shape, and damping ratio, before and after retrofitting. The ambient vibration tests collected data from the dam body during vibrations by natural excitations which provided small impacts and response signals from sensitivity accelerometers placed at crest points. Enhanced Frequency Domain Decomposition Method in the frequency domain extracts the experimental dynamic characteristics. At the end of the study, experimentally identified dynamic characteristics obtained from all test cases have been compared with each other. Apparently, after the retrofitting, the natural frequencies of the dam body increased considerably, demonstrating that the retrofitting, including repairing and strengthening is very effective on the flashback of initial dynamic characteristics.     

轨道交通荷载下桩板结构主动隔振效果研究

为了研究在轨道交通荷载作用下桩板结构主动隔振措施的隔振效果,通过无限元边界与有限元边界相结合的有限元分析方法在路基中建立桩板结构模型,并在沙土地基中设置混凝土桩板结构进行模型试验,通过模型试验对有限元数值模拟结果加以验证,将桩长、埋深及置换率3个因素考虑在内,研究其对隔振效果的影响。结果表明:模型试验验证有限元计算方法的可靠性;随桩长增加振幅降低比减小,隔振效果明显,随着振源距离增加其振幅降低比减小明显;埋深为桩板结构主动隔振措施中的主要影响因素,随着埋深增加振幅降低比明显减小,隔振效果越明显;有限元计算过程中置换率对隔振效果的影响不明显,但是在模型试验中置换率对隔振效果影响较显著。     

Dynamic characteristics of a base isolated building from ambient vibration measurements and low level earthquake shaking

Ambient vibration tests were conducted on a base-isolated apartment building in Takamatsu, Japan, to determine the mode shapes and the associated natural frequencies and damping ratios at very low levels of excitation. The latest developments in signal analysis for modal decomposition are used to analyze the ambient response data. A finite element model of the building and isolators was calibrated and refined using the experimental results from the ambient vibration tests. This model was then used to simulate the recorded response of the building under excitation from a small earthquake. The finite element model, calibrated by ambient vibration data and the low level of earthquake shaking, provides the starting point for modelling the non-linear response of the building when subjected to strong shaking.     

Effect of vehicle weight on natural frequencies of bridges measured from traffic-induced vibration

Recently, ambient vibration test (AVT) is widely used to estimate dynamic characteristics of large civil structures. Dynamic characteristics can be affected by various environmental factors such as humidity, intensity of wind, and temperature. Besides these environmental conditions, the mass of vehicles may change the measured values when traffic-induced vibration is used as a source of AVT for bridges. The effect of vehicle mass on dynamic characteristics is investigated through traffic-induced vibration tests on three bridges; (1) three-span suspension bridge (128m +404m + 128m), (2) five-span continuous steel box girder bridge (59m + 3@95m + 59m), (3) simply supported plate girder bridge (46m). Acceleration histories of each measurement location under normal traffic are recorded for 30 minutes at field. These recorded histories are divided into individual vibrations and are combined into two groups according to the level of vibration ; one by heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses and the other by light vehicles such as passenger cars. Separate processing of the two groups of signals shows that, for the middle and long-span bridges, the difference can be hardly detected, but, for the short span bridges whose mass is relatively small, the measured natural frequencies can change up to 5.4%. Supported by: the Ministry of Construction and Transportation, Korea Highway Corporation and Hyundai E&C Co. Ltd. under Project No. R&D/970003-2.     

基于响应面的预应力混凝土桥动力有限元模型研究

建立了基于正交实验的响应面模型和精细有限元模型,并将其用于中华大桥的有限元模型修正,通过实测动力数据对修正后的有限元模型计算结果进行了验证。基于修正后的有限元模型,分析了预应力对预应力钢筋混凝土桥梁模态信息（频率和振型）的影响,以及单元类型对桥梁模态频率的影响。结果表明,修正后的有限元模型能够比较准确地反映桥梁实际结构的动力特性,基于响应面模型和遗传算法的修正方法可有效地用于大桥的健康监测和状态评估;预应力对预应力钢筋混凝土桥梁模态信息的影响较小,建模时可不予精确考虑;对于由多根预应力混凝土梁组成的桥梁体系,采用实体单元分析较好。