Ambient vibration testing, dynamic identification and model updating of a historic tower

• Published in: NDT & E international : independent nondestructive testing and evaluation Vol. 47; pp. 88 - 95
• Main Authors: Foti, Dora, Diaferio, Mariella, Giannoccaro, Nicola Ivan, Mongelli, Michele
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2012; Elsevier
• Subjects: Ambient vibration test; Applied sciences; Buildings. Public works; Exact sciences and technology; FE model identification; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Historical buildings; Measurement and testing methods; Measurements common to several branches of physics and astronomy; Measurements. Technique of testing; Metrology, measurements and laboratory procedures; Model updating; Operational modal analysis; Physics; Solid mechanics; Structural and continuum mechanics; Velocity, acceleration and rotation; Italy; Europe; FE model identification; Historical buildings; Ambient vibration test; Model updating; Operational modal analysis; Vibration; Modal analysis; Vibration test; Modeling; Dynamic test; Finite element method; Historical heritage; Uncertain system; Model matching; Elevator; Accelerometer; Passenger lift; System identification; Vibrational mode; Dynamic model
• ISSN: 0963-8695; 1879-1174
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ndteint.2011.11.009

The results of an ambient-vibration based investigation conducted on a historical tower in Italy, to update the 3-D finite element model of the building are presented in this work. The main difficulties are related to the extreme in-homogeneity of the building and the presence of an elevator vain that occupies the posterior part of the tower, forcing to locate the accelerometers only on one façade of the building. The assessment procedure include full-scale ambient vibration testing, modal identification from ambient vibration responses using three different identification methods, finite element modeling and dynamic-based identification of the uncertain structural parameters of the model. A very good match between theoretical and experimental modal parameters was reached and the model updating has been performed to identify some structural parameters. ► Operational modal analysis of a historical building in a very harsh ambient condition. ► Dynamic identification based on constrained accelerometers placement. ► FEM updating using sensitivity analysis of measured frequencies.