SEISMIC ASSESSMENT OF EXISTING STRUCTURES: CONTRIBUTION OF IN-SITU MEASUREMENTS BY AMBIENT VIBRATIONS IN THE DESIGN OF NUMERICAL MODELS

Abstract eng:
Seismic assessment of existing structures is a major issue of civil engineering. Indeed, many constructions built before seismic requirement codes are located in moderate or important seismic areas. Expectations are high regarding the preservation of human life, strategic installations, economic activities and cultural heritage. The numerical modeling is often used to perform an advanced vulnerability assessment. In this context, the level of precision sought highly depends on the knowledge got on the considered construction; this knowledge being often lacunars. Based on several case-studies, this paper highlights the value of structural measurements by ambient vibrations in the design of a numerical mock-up and the resulting analysis. The first case study concerns a reinforced concrete building built in the 1960s for which a vulnerability analysis was carried out on the basis of a multifibre beam finite element model. The second case concerns the evaluation of a hydroelectric concrete gravity dam before and after retrofitting work. The modeling was carried out with finite three-dimensional elements. The third case focuses on the application of this type of measures in the context of the simplified modeling of masonry heritage monuments. For each of these cases, datas obtained from the in-situ measurements were particularly interesting since they notably allow accessing the modal characteristics of the structures or sub-structures; high value factor in the response of a structure. The application of this technology to various typologies of constructions demonstrates its robustness and the associated perspectives in terms of representativeness in numerical modeling.

• Export as: BibTeX | MARC | MARCXML | DC | EndNote | NLM | RefWorks
• Add to your basket