Dynamic testing and system identification of a multi-span highway bridge

A simple and effective procedure for conducting the free vibration test on highway bridges is presented. The impulsive force in each direction is generated by a loaded truck that either stops suddenly or falls down from a rigid block. The feasibility of the procedure is demonstrated in identification of the dynamic properties, i.e. the vibration frequencies, mode shapes, and damping ratios, of a three-span box-girder concrete bridge using the Ibrahim Time-Domain (ITD) technique. Up to 14 modes have been identified for the present case. For the purpose of verification, ambient vibration tests were also carried out, with the data processed by the random decrement (Randomdec) technique to yield the free vibration response, followed by the ITD technique. The dynamic properties identified from the two types of test correlate very well with each other, indicating the validity of each procedure described herein. Although many more modes can be identified from the free vibration test because of the higher quality of data produced, the easiness and general applicability of the ambient vibration test can still be appreciated. A comparison of the experimental results with those by the finite element method indicated a lesser degree of correlation, implying that the finite element model adopted in design requires further refinement, say, through a more realistic evaluation of the boundary conditions, geometric and material properties of the bridge. Copyright © 1999 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.     

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.     

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.     

双向振动条件下的饱和砂土动强度特性试验研究

利用全自动静动三轴双向耦合剪切仪,分别在均等固结和非均等固结条件下,进行了福建标准砂的动三轴不排水剪切试验,对比分析了轴向振动、径向振动、相位差分别为0°和180°的轴向-径向耦合振动等不同振动方式对饱和砂土动力特性的影响。试验结果表明,无论是均等固结还是非均等固结条件下,只要在最大剪应力面上的动剪应力水平相同,4种剪切方式对动应力-应变关系及动强度的影响都并不显著。     

Full-scale experimental modal analysis of an arch dam: The first experience in Iran

Forced vibration field tests and finite-element studies were conducted on the Shahid Rajaee concrete arch dam in Northern Iran to determine the dynamic properties of the dam–reservoir–foundation system. The first forced vibration tests on the dam were performed with two different types of exciter units, with a limited maximum force, bolted on the dam crest for alternative in-phase and out-of-phase sequencing. Because of an insufficient number of recording sensors, two arrangements of sensors were used to cover sufficient points on the dam crest and one gallery during tests. Two kinds of vibration tests, on–off and frequency sweeping, were carried out on the dam. The primary natural frequencies of the coupled system for both symmetric and anti-symmetric vibration modes were approximated during on–off tests in two types of sequencing of exciters, in phase and out-of-phase, with a maximum frequency of 14 Hz. The principal forced vibration tests were performed at precise resonant frequencies based on the results of the on–off tests in which sweeping around the approximated frequencies at 0.1 Hz increments was performed. Baseline correction and suitable bandpass filtering were applied to the test records and then signal processing was carried out to compute the auto power, cross power and coherence spectra. Nine middle modes of vibration of the coupled system and corresponding damping ratios were estimated. The empirical results are compared against the results from calibrated finite-element modeling of the system using former ambient vibration tests, considering the dam–reservoir–foundation interaction effects. Good agreement is obtained between experimental and numerical results for eight middle modes of the dam–reservoir–foundation system.     

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.     

Continuous ambient‐vibration monitoring of the arch dam of Mauvoisin

This paper presents the experimental programme and results of a continuous ambient vibrations recording programme carried out on the 250 m arch dam of Mauvoisin. This project follows a series of previous measurements completed for seven different water levels. An automated system was set up on the dam and the ambient vibrations were recorded twice daily for a period of 6 months. Frequency shifts were tracked throughout the testing period and the effects of the varying water level were identified. The results confirmed the behaviour observed in previous ambient‐ and forced‐vibration tests. The added‐mass effects are overcome by the stiffening of the dam due to increasing hydrostatic pressure for lower reservoir levels. This trend is then reversed for higher water levels. Any temperature‐related effects were not identified. The experimental techniques are briefly described and the frequency identification process and its limitations are discussed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

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.     

Study of the train-induced vibration impact on a historic Bell Tower above two spatially overlapping metro lines

There is concern regarding the long-term vibration effects caused by metro trains on historic buildings. In this paper, the impact of metro train-induced vibrations on the Bell Tower in Xi’an above two spatially overlapping tunnels was studied.Metro Line 2 has been operational since 2011, and Line 6 is still under construction. To study and control the effect of micro vibrations on the Bell Tower, a metro train–track–tunnel–soil 3D dynamic FE model was developed. The vibration response generated by Line 2 was then predicted, and the influences of train speed on ground vibration were analysed. In addition, a detailed in situ measurement, which helped calibrate the numerical model and determine the dynamic behaviour of timber structures, was performed. Finally, the calibrated models and measured results were used to predict vibrations caused by road traffic and trains from two spatially overlapping metro lines. This was performed under different route schemes and train operation conditions.The results showed that installing steel spring floating slab tracks (FST) and decreasing train speeds had obvious effects on controlling the ground peak particle velocity (PPV). Simulated results from both the input impulse and output response generated by metro Line 2 matched well with actual measurements. If correct designs are employed, it is possible to resolve the vibration problem on historic buildings caused by metro trains.     

Longitudinal vibration of non-homogeneous earth dams

Two-dimensional analytical elastic models are developed for evaluating dynamic characteristics, namely natural frequencies and modes of vibration of a wide class of earth dams in a direction parallel to the dam axis. In these models the non-homogeneity of the dam materials is taken into account by assuming a specific variation of the stiffness properties along the depth (due to the continuous increase in confining pressure). In addition, both shear and normal (axial) deformations are considered. Cases having constant elastic moduli, linear and trapezoidal variations of elastic moduli, and elastic moduli increasing as the one-half, one-third, two fifths, and a general (l/m)th powers of the depth are studied. Dynamic properties of three real earth dams in a seismically active area (Southern California) estimated from their earthquake records (input ground motion and crest response in the longitudinal direction) as well as results from full-scale dynamic tests on one of these dams (including ambient and forced vibration tests) are compared with those from the suggested models. It was found that the models in which the shear modulus and the modulus of elasticity of the dam material vary along the depth are the most appropriate representations for predicting the dynamic characteristics. The agreement between the experimental and earthquake data and the theoretical results from some of the models is reasonably good.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Structural health monitoring of long-span suspension bridges using wavelet packet analysis

During the service life of civil engineering structures such as long-span bridges, local damage at key positions may continually accumulate, and may finally result in their sudden failure. One core issue of global vibration-based health monitoring methods is to seek some damage indices that are sensitive to structural damage. This paper proposes an online structural health monitoring method for long-span suspension bridges using wavelet packet transform (WPT). The WPT- based method is based on the energy variations of structural ambient vibration responses decomposed using wavelet packet analysis. The main feature of this method is that the proposed wavelet packet energy spectrum (WPES) has the ability to detect structural damage from ambient vibration tests of a long-span suspension bridge. As an example application, the WPES-based health monitoring system is used on the Runyang Suspension Bridge under daily environmental conditions. The analysis reveals that changes in environmental temperature have a long-term influence on the WPES, while the effect of traffic loadings on the measured WPES of the bridge presents instantaneous changes because of the nonstationary properties of the loadings. The condition indication indices VD reflect the influences of environmental temperature on the dynamic properties of the Runyang Suspension Bridge. The field tests demonstrate that the proposed WPES-based condition indication index VD is a good candidate index for health monitoring of long-span suspension bridges under ambient 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.     

Effects of infill walls and floor diaphragms on the dynamic characteristics of a narrow‐rectangle building

Most buildings in Singapore are lightly reinforced concrete structures, which are mainly designed for gravity loading only, because Singapore is an island country located in a low‐to‐moderate seismic region. The dynamic properties of a typical high‐rise residential building with a long, narrow rectangular floor plan are studied using both experimental and numerical methods. The effects of the brick infill walls and the flexible diaphragms on the dynamic characteristics of the building are discussed in detail. The results from the ambient vibration tests are correlated with the numerical results of three different finite element models with different levels of sophistication. They include a bare frame model, a frame model with brick infill walls, and a frame model with both brick infill walls and flexible diaphragms. The dynamic properties of the third model match very well with the measured results in terms of both the natural frequencies and the mode shapes. The correlation results demonstrate the respective effects of the brick infill walls and the flexible diaphragms on the dynamic characteristics of the narrow‐rectangle building structure. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

System identification applied to long‐span cable‐supported bridges using seismic records

This paper presents the application of system identification (SI) to long‐span cable‐supported bridges using seismic records. The SI method is based on the System Realization using Information Matrix (SRIM) that utilizes correlations between base motions and bridge accelerations to identify coefficient matrices of a state‐space model. Numerical simulations using a benchmark cable‐stayed bridge demonstrate the advantages of this method in dealing with multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) data from relatively short seismic records. Important issues related to the effects of sensor arrangement, measurement noise, input inclusion, and the types of input with respect to identification results are also investigated. The method is applied to identify modal parameters of the Yokohama Bay Bridge, Rainbow Bridge, and Tsurumi Fairway Bridge using the records from the 2004 Chuetsu‐Niigata earthquake. Comparison of modal parameters with the results of ambient vibration tests, forced vibration tests, and analytical models are presented together with discussions regarding the effects of earthquake excitation amplitude on global and local structural modes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Transverse free vibrations of continuous bridges with abutment restraint

This paper analyzes the dynamic behaviour of continuous bridges with transverse abutment restraint. These are a particular class of multi‐span bridges whose transverse motion is restrained at the abutments. The transverse dynamic behaviour of these partially‐restrained bridges is described by a model consisting of a two‐dimensional simply‐supported beam with intermediate visco‐elastic restraints. A minimal set of characteristic problem parameters that completely describe the dynamic response is initially identified and an analytical solution is developed for particular configurations. The influence of these characteristic parameters on the properties of the dynamic systems are analyzed by considering the undamped and the damped free vibrations separately. Successively, in order to cover more general and complex configurations of realistic bridges, an extension of the definition of the characteristic parameters is proposed. The results obtained considering selected case studies are finally presented. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Ambient vibration tests of a seven-story reinforced concrete building in Van Nuys, California, damaged by the 1994 Northridge earthquake

Results of two detailed ambient vibration surveys of a 7-story reinforced concrete building in Van Nuys, California, are presented. Both surveys were conducted after the building was severely damaged by the 17 January 1994, Northridge earthquake (M_L=5.3, epicenter 1.5 km west from the building site) and its early aftershocks. The first survey was conducted on 4 and 5 February 1994, and the second one on 19 and 20 April 1994, about one month after the 20 March aftershock (M_L=5.3, epicenter 1.2 km north–west from the building site). The apparent frequencies and two- and three-dimensional mode shapes for longitudinal, transverse and vertical vibrations were calculated. The attempts to detect the highly localized damage by simple spectral analyses of the ambient noise data were not successful. It is suggested that very high spatial resolution of recording points is required to identify localized column and beam damage, due to the complex building behavior, with many interacting structural components. The loss of the axial capacity of the damaged columns could be seen in the vertical response of the columns, but similar moderate or weak damage typically would not be noticed in ambient vibration surveys. Previous analysis of the recorded response of this building to 12 earthquakes suggests that, during large response of the foundation and piles, the soil is pushed sideways and gaps form between the foundation and the soil. These gaps appear to be closing during “dynamic compaction” when the building site is shaken by many small aftershocks. The apparent frequencies of the soil–foundation–structure system appear to be influenced significantly by variations in the effective soil–foundation stiffness. These variations can be monitored by a sequence of specialized ambient vibration tests.