Dynamical models of a suspension bridge driven by vibration data

Abstract

The great availability of measurement systems permits to acquire quite easily data related to structural oscillations in operational conditions. This occurrence may permit to enhance our capability to data-driven computing using directly experimental data and pertinent constraints and conservation laws, such as compatibility and equilibrium, surely certain. In the paper, a methodology will be presented to furnish an analytical mechanical model of a suspension bridge in which the main parameters can be derived from vibration measurements. In this respect, Polymax and Enhanced Frequency Domain Decomposition identification procedures are used to determine a complete modal model which is used to evaluate an error function. Optimization algorithms are used to evaluate the function minima in the fundamental parameter space. The procedure will be validated by results coming from a sophisticated finite element model for which geometric measurements are included through a 3D point cloud geometrical model and a consequent Building Information model (BIM) constructed with images acquired by unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The case study of the pedestrian cable suspension Polvorines bridge (100 meters of span) is considered to demonstrate the procedure, due the test campaign conducted on March 2020.