Updating finite element models using static deformations

Abstract In order to achieve a better correlation between the measured static behaviour of a real structure and the behaviour predicted using a analytical model, a method for updating finite element models using static deformations has been developed. The method is based on the analysis of the sensitivity of the static deformation with respect to the stiffness parameters of the analytical model. A detailed presentation of the proposed formulation is given followed by a simulated test case illustrating the application of the method.