Model Updating and Seismic Analysis of a Large Cable-Stayed Bridge

Abstract eng:
Model updating serves the purpose of providing a more representative finite element model of a structure. Engineers and researchers need a tuned model for many applications such as damage detection, structural modification assessments, or seismic assessments. It is very common for experimental results to contradict the results taken from a computer model, which demonstrates a need for having a properly calibrated model. In this paper, a model of a three-span cable-stayed bridge is updated using an ongoing structural health monitoring network, and a linear time history analysis is carried out to compare results before and after updating. A finite element model is created based on design drawings, and both manual and automatic updating methods are applied. First, the loading on the deck is manually calibrated to reasonably agree with experimental results; and second, important parameters are identified based on a sensitivity analysis, and then the model is manually updated to closely match the frequencies and mode shapes of the experimental results. Special attention is also paid to the boundary conditions at the ends of the bridge and at each tower, as well as the stiffnesses at the foundations. In order to provide a comparison between the original and updated models, a suite of nine scaled ground motions are selected for a time history analysis. Three crustal, three subcrustal, and three subduction earthquake motions are selected for the analysis. Observations from the seismic analysis reveal the importance of having a more confident, calibrated finite element model.

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