Model Updating of Bridges Using Measured Influence Lines

Abstract

In developing a digital twin of a real structure, finite element model updating (FEMU) is essential for refining the model’s response based on measured data, enabling the detection of structural damage or hidden reserves over time. This case study focused on a 40-year-old multi-span concrete roadway bridge, equipped with permanent bridge weigh-in-motion (B-WIM) and structural health monitoring (SHM) systems. Bridge responses from two calibration vehicles were used to derive strain influence lines (ILs) from mid-span B-WIM strain transducers mounted on the main girders. The error-domain model falsification (EDMF) methodology was applied to perform strain IL-based FEMU and the more conventional frequency-based, MAC-based, and combined frequency and MAC-based FEMU. Boundary conditions and three Young’s modulus adjustment factors, representing different groups of structural elements, were updated. The strain IL-based updated FE model, with averages of 35% and 50% stiffness increases for the two main girders, showed strong agreement with independently measured mid-span vertical displacements. Maximum values deviated not more than 5%. In contrast, the frequency and MAC-based updated FE model underestimated displacements by 25–30%. These findings highlight the potential of using B-WIM for FEMU and SHM on such types of bridges, particularly when the response under traffic load is of interest.