Obtaining dynamic parameters by using ambient vibration recordings on model of the steel arch bridge

Abstract

Operational Modal Analysis (OMA) is a one of the most popular method to extract the dynamic characteristics from ambient vibration response signals. In this study, the dynamic characteristics of a model of steel arch bridge with a bolt connection constructed in a 6.10 m span and 1.88 m height laboratory were determined by finite element method and operational modal analysis methods. Firstly, finite element model was created in SAP2000 software of model steel system and dynamic characteristic were obtained numerically. Then, accelerometers were placed where the displacements are high on points of the system and dynamic characteristics were determined by operational modal analysis method. The aim of this study is to obtain the dynamic parameters (frequency, damping ratio, mode shapes) of the model of the steel arch bridge accurately and reliably by operational modal analysis method by making use of ambient vibrations in the laboratory conditions. For this purpose, analytical analysis of the model of the steel arch bridge with finite element method and the dynamic parameters obtained as a result of the operational modal analysis of the model steel arch bridge were compared. Also, the modal assurance criterion (MAC) was used. Good compatibility was recognized between the results obtained for experimental and numerical procedures in terms of both the natural frequency and the mode of vibration. At the end of this study, reasonable correlation is obtained between mode shapes, frequencies and damping ratios. Analytical and Operational modal frequencies differences between 0.139 %–7.170 %.