Finite Element Model Updating of Senyuva Historical Arch Bridge Using Ambient Vibration Tests

Abstract

This paper describes a historical arch bridge; its analytical modelling, modal testing and finite element model (FEM) updating. For this purpose, Senyuva historical arch bridge which is built in 1696 and located in Camlihemsin, Rize, Turkey, is selected as an application. 3D FEM of the bridge is modelled using ANSYS software to obtain analytical dynamic characteristics such as natural frequencies and mode shapes. Then, operational modal analysis using ambient vibrations is performed to attain dynamic characteristics experimentally. Human walking and wind are used as natural excitation. The output-only modal parameter identification is carried out using the Peak Picking method in frequency domain and the Stochastic Subspace Identification method in time domain. After, analytically and experimentally identified dynamic characteristics compared with each other and FEM of the historical bridge is updated to minimize the differences between modal parameters by changing uncertain modelling parameters such as boundary conditions. As a result, differences between the natural frequencies are reduced from 27% to 3% and good agreement is found between analytical and experimental dynamic characteristics after FEM updating.

Keywords

• ambient vibration
• dynamic characteristics
• finite element model (fem) updating
• historical arch bridge
• modal testing
• operational modal analysis