Applications of Experimental Modal Analysis for Bridges

Abstract

Experimental modal analysis is used by researchers for the purpose of condition assessment and damage detection of structural systems. If the experiment and analysis are performed accordingly, it is possible to identify the dynamic parameters of the systems such as natural frequencies, damping ratios and the modal vectors. Since any damage in the system changes the stiffness and at the same time dynamic parameters of the system, it is possible to detect and locate the damage in the system. System parameters should be identified before and after the damage for such an evaluation. Experimental modal analysis technique is under study in IYTE, Civil Engineering Department. Through the paper a limited literature survey will be presented in relation with the application of modal analysis techniques for condition assessment and damage detection of bridges. Also a simple bridge model will be tested and analyzed with techniques that we have acquired in IYTE up to now. In order to discuss the results of the modal analysis results, a finite element model of the model bridge will also provided.