Structural Assessment Using Modal Analysis Techniques

Degradation of many Naval waterfront facilities has been a major concern for crmtinuous support to fleet missions. Many of the reinforced concrete pier decks which sewice the fleet were built during or before WWII. The% same stmctues are still being used today and arc now being pressed to sustain loadings in excess of their original design. Structural condition assessment through quality assurance, nondestructive testing, and effective. inspection is essential for operation and maintenance management. A combined research effort between the Naval Civil Engineering Labaatory (NCEL) and Texas A&M was conducted to de&mine the feasibility of using modal analysis techniques for the purpose of locating and assessing damage in large bridge-like struchws.