Assessment of Long-Span Bridge Performance Issues through an Iterative Approach to Ambient Vibration–Based Structural Identification

AbstractThis paper presents a diagnostic case study of a long-span bridge, which uncovered the root cause of unsymmetric vibration performance that appeared to point to deterioration. In this case study, two iterations of the structural identification (St-Id) process were applied to (1) develop a comprehensive finite-element (FE) model (inclusive of approach spans) representative of the general dynamic properties (frequencies and mode shapes), and (2) check that the response magnitudes were consistent with those expected from vehicular traffic. More specifically, this research confirmed the perceived vibration discrepancy with direct measurements, conducted a comprehensive (including approach spans) ambient vibration monitoring of the bridge, updated an FE model to match measured modal parameters, and performed a series of simulations to both validate the updated model and understand the root cause of the unsymmetric vibrations. Through this process, it was determined that the unsymmetric vibrations resul...

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