Explaining operational modal analysis with data from an arch bridge

• Published in: Mechanical systems and signal processing Vol. 25; no. 5; pp. 1431 - 1450
• Main Authors: MAGALHAES, Filipe, CUNHA, Alvaro
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.07.2011; Elsevier
• Subjects: Algorithms; Applied sciences; Arch bridges; Assessments; Bridges; Bridges (structures); Buildings. Public works; Exact sciences and technology; Fundamental areas of phenomenology (including applications); Infrastructure; Measurement and testing methods; Measurements. Technique of testing; Mechanical systems; Physics; Signal processing; Solid mechanics; Structural and continuum mechanics; Synthesis; Measurement; Bridges; Curved beam; Modal analysis; Bridge span; Concrete construction; Arch; Data processing; Vibration test; Experimental study; Civil engineering; Monitoring
• ISSN: 0888-3270; 1096-1216
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ymssp.2010.08.001

This tutorial paper aims to introduce the topic of operational modal analysis to non-specialists on the subject. First of all, it is stressed the relevance of this experimental technique particularly in the assessment of important civil infrastructure. Then, after a synthesis of required theoretical background, three of the most powerful algorithms for output-only modal identification are presented. The several steps of these identification procedures are illustrated with the processing of data collected on a concrete arch bridge with a span of 280 m. As the use of operational modal analysis in the context of structural health monitoring is a subject under active research, this theme is also introduced and briefly exemplified with data continuously recorded at the same bridge.