Updating the Mathematical Model of a Structure Using Vibration Data

Abstract

Model updating is an important step for correlating the mathematical model of a structure to the real one. There are a variety of techniques available for model updating using dynamic and static measurements of the structure’s behavior. This paper concentrates on the model updating techniques using the natural frequencies or frequencies and mode shapes of a structure. An iterative technique is developed based on the matrix update method. The method hasbeenappliedtothefiniteelement models of a three span continuous steel free deck bridge located in western Canada. The finite element models of the bridge have been constructed using three-dimensional beam and facet shell elements and the models have been updated using the measured frequencies. From the study it is clear that the initial model needs to be built such that it represents the actual structure as closely as possible. The results demonstrate that the difference between the modal parameters from the model and field tests affect the quality of the model updating process.