Data processing in subspace identification and modal parameter identification of an arch bridge

A data-processing method concerning subspace identification is presented to improve the identification of modal parameters from measured response data only. The identification procedure of this method consists of two phases, first estimating frequencies and damping ratios and then extracting mode shapes. Elements of Hankel matrices are specially rearranged to enhance the identifiability of weak characteristics and the robustness to noise contamination. Furthermore, an alternative stabilisation diagram in combination with component energy index is adopted to effectively separate spurious and physical modes. On the basis of identified frequencies, mode shapes are extracted from the signals obtained by filtering measured data with a series of band-pass filters. The proposed method was tested with a concrete-filled steel tubular arch bridge, which was subjected to ambient excitation. Gabor representation was also employed to process measured signals before conducting parameter identification. Identified results show that the proposed method can give a reliable separation of spurious and physical modes as well as accurate estimates of weak modes only from response signals.