Operational modal testing and FE model tuning of a cable-stayed bridge

The paper presents the results obtained from the application of different output-only modal identification techniques to ambient response data collected in two dynamic tests of a cable-stayed bridge and the subsequent finite element model correlation analysis. The first test, performed by using a traditional data acquisition system with servo-accelerometers, was aimed at investigating the vertical dynamic characteristics of the bridge. In the second test, an innovative radar vibrometer was used for non-contact measurement of deflection time series of the forestays and the identification of local natural frequencies of the stay cables. In the theoretical study, vibration modes were determined using a 3D Finite Element model of the bridge and the information obtained from the field tests, combined with a classic system identification technique, provided a linear elastic model, accurately fitting the modal parameters of the bridge in its present condition.