Dynamic monitoring of the scale model of a bridge to calibrate a

numerical structural model

R. L. Silva

FEC - UNICAMP, Campinas - SP, Brasil

L. M. Trautwein

FEC - UNICAMP, Campinas - SP, Brasil

L. C. Almeida

FEC - UNICAMP, Campinas - SP, Brasil

C. S. Barbosa

POLI - USP, So Paulo - SP, Brasil

ABSTRACT: This paper presents the results of the dynamic monitoring of a bridges scale model and how
they are used to calibrate a numerical structural model by modal parameters analysis. The experimental
structure model was monitored using capacitive accelerometers and acquisition systems able to read and save
the vibration information through time, which made possible to determine specific dynamic parameters, such
as natural frequencies, damping and mode shapes. The modal parameters were extracted from the collected
signals using frequency domain decomposition techniques and ARTeMIS Modal software [2]. The initial
finite element model was developed using SAP2000 software[3] and was calibrated by changing the elastic
modulus of concrete and mass, assuring that the natural frequencies and mode shapes used in model are
similar to those obtained in the monitoring.

1 INTRODUCTION
The inspection of a structure (pathologies,
destructive
testing
and
non-destructive
characterization of materials) provides important
information about its structural integrity, guiding
decisions related to the need for repairs and
reinforcements. However, the high cost of a full
inspection reduces the frequency of its adoption and
can even motivate the complete abandonment of the
practice.
The interest in the ability of monitoring a structure
and detecting damage as soon as possible has
permeated the aerospace, civil and mechanical
engineering community (FARRAR 2001 [4]).
Methods of detection of usual, experimental or
visual damage require detailed knowledge of the
damaged area and easy access to the local to be
inspected.
According to NOBREGA 2004 [5], the dynamic test
are an adequate procedure because of its nondestructive character, which allows the collection of
generalized information on the stiffness and
structural damping, because of its comparability to a
computer numerical model, and because it can be
repeated and compared over time.
Three-dimensional numerical models that are
developed in finite element are able to represent, in a
reliable mannered, the current structure. For this, the
physical parameters of the structure (rigidity, mass,
damping, natural frequencies and mode shapes) must
be obtained by testing the materials, conducting

geometric surveys and performing structural

monitoring.
This work presents the calibration of a numerical
model by comparing the natural frequencies and
mode shapes obtained through experimental
dynamic analysis and changing the elastic modulus
and boundary values.
The geometric characteristics of the experimental
model were based on a small-scale model of a bridge
(reinforced concrete frame), extracted from the
dissertation TICONA MELO 2011 [1].
2 OBJECTIVE
The main objective of the work presented will be the
calibration of a numerical structural model based on
dynamic parameters (natural frequencies, mode
shapes). These parameters will be obtained by
analyzing the dynamic experimental testing. To
reach the main objective, the following activities
were performed:
construction of an experimental model;
preparation of a three-dimensional numerical
model with the aid of software finite element;
dynamic monitoring of the experimental model;
obtaining the natural frequencies by means of the
decomposition methods in the frequency domain
(DDFs);
determining vibration modes with the help of
ARTeMIS Modal software[2];

 calibration of the numerical model by altering its

rigidity and support conditions, and by
comparing the natural frequencies and mode
shapes obtained in this experimental model.
3 MODELS
Two models, numerical and experimental have been
prepared. The experimental model will provide the
dynamic parameters that are used to calibrate the
numerical model. After calibration, the numerical
model will represent, more reliably, the actual
structure, enabling simulations of structural behavior
for different intensities of loads (static or dynamic)
without compromising the real structure.
3.1 Experimental model
As discussed earlier, the reduced scale model of a
bridge similar to TICONA MELO 2011 [1] was
adopted. It is a model of a reinforced concrete bridge
produced
with
CA50
steel
and
selfcompacting concrete C40.
Before the vibration test, the model was subjected to
bending stress until the appearance of cracks on the
board and columns. These cracks caused a decrease
in the rigidity of the structure. This can be observed
by comparing the initial parameters adopted and the
results of the numerical model calibration.
The experimental model has a trapezoidal cross
section, with span of 110 cm and height of 8.5 cm.
The Figure 1 shows the cross section and the
reinforcement adopted.

Figure 1. Cross section and reinforcement.

The reinforced concrete deck was supported by two

columns (cross section of 5x6 cm). It is important to
emphasize that the model was supported only by
concrete blocks. The Figure 2 shows the
experimental model used to set the acceleration
transducers.
Four sensors were fixed in vertical position, two in
the longitudinal and transverse. This configuration
facilitates determination of deformed modes of the
first natural frequency.
Acceleration transducers capacitive type model
2210-002 Silicon Designs, Inc. (Figure 3) conducted

the dynamic monitoring. This instrument operates in

a frequency range from zero to 300 Hz and has a
sensitivity of 2000 mV/g. The range of the
transducer for measuring acceleration varies from
-19.6 m/s to 19.6 m/s.
Figure 2. Experimental model.

Figure 3. Capacitive acceleration transducer

model 2210-002 Silicon Designs, Inc.

Lynx Technology model ADS2002 system with

AI2164 expansion module captured the data. This
acquisition system has a power between 5 and 15
VDC, signal conditioning, A/D converter of 16 bits
with a 12.5 s / channel conversion time. The sensor
data were recorded simultaneously using laptop with
AqDados 7 software from Lynx Technology
Company.
The vibration of the structure was performed by soft
impacts with a rubber hammer. The impact of
hammer induces vibrations in the structure capable
of mobilizing its main natural frequencies. The
Figure 4 shows an example of induced vibration
rubber hammer and captured by the acceleration
transducer.

This numerical model is calibrated from the

properties of materials and the dynamic properties of
the structure, comparing the values of the natural
frequencies
and
mode
shapes
obtained
experimentally to those obtained in the numerical
model.
The parameters used as a starting point to calibrate
the numerical model are presented in Table 1.
Table 1. Properties of materials and initial
parameters.
Figure 4. Acceleration captured by the sensor during the
impact of mars it rubber.

3.2 Numerical model

A representative three-dimensional numerical model
of the structure was built using the software
SAP2000 [3], which was based on the dimensions
and mechanical properties of the materials used as
initial parameters for the calibration process. The
model was discretized into bar elements (frame),
including the trapezoidal section of the deck (Figure
5).

Columns

fck (MPa)
E (MPa)

30
36800*
0,2

Deck

fck (MPa)
E (MPa)

30
36800*
0,2

U1 (kN/cm)
U2 (kN/cm)
U3 (kN/cm)

Fixed
0
0

Links

R1 (kN.cm/rad)
0
R2 (kN.cm/rad)
0
R3 (kN.cm/rad)
0
*It is considered the dynamic modulus of elasticity
being 20% higher than the static modulus of elasticity
(5600*(fck)1/2).

4 RESULTS

Figure 5. Cross section of the numerical model.

The structure boundary conditions were represented

by elements of type link, which allow changing the
stiffness in all directions. Figure 6 shows the
numerical finite element model

The results of the experimental analysis, the

vibration modes of the calibrated model and then the
comparison of the results to validate the calibration
will be presented in this section.
4.1 Results of the experimental model
The analysis of experimental data was carried out
using auto spectral density to identify the natural
frequencies functions. The Figure 7 shows the
identification of natural frequencies from the auto
spectral density.

Figure 6. Three-dimensional view of the numerical model.

Figure 7. Identification of natural frequencies from high

spectral density functions (sensor 01 - Vertical).

The deformed modal shapes from the experimental

model were obtained using ARTeMIS Modal
software [2]. The position of the acceleration
transducers and a representative model of the
structure was modeled in the ARTeMIS Modas
software[2]. By analyzing the vibration data of the
monitored points, the software is capable to draw the
deformed modal mapping for each natural
frequency, which is based on the relative
displacement of the sensors for a certain frequency.
In addition to the vibration modes, the damping
factor for each frequency was determined.
The Figure 8 shows the experimental modal
deformed plotted obtained by ARTeMIS Modal
software [2], for each natural frequency, and
respective damping factor.

Mode 6:

f = 341,8 Hz

Damping = 3,0%

Mode 7:

f = 451,5 Hz

Damping = 2,3%

Figure 8. Experimental model modal deformed plotted by

ARTeMIS Modal software [2].

4.2 Numerical model results

Mode 1:

f = 10,9 Hz;

Damping = 11,1%

Calibration of the numerical model was achieved by

changing the stiffness of the structural elements and
the conditions of support, and by comparing its
natural frequencies and mode shapes to those
obtained by experimental analysis. The Table 2
shows the properties of the materials that were
obtained to represent, as close as possible, the
structural behavior of the experimental model in the
numerical model
Table 2 Material properties - calibrated model.

Mode 2:

f = 46,4 Hz

Damping = 12,6%

Mode 3:

f = 50,0 Hz

Damping = 7,5%

Mode 4:

f = 101,7 Hz

Damping = 5,9%

Mode 5:

f = 162,9 Hz

Damping = 0,9%

Columns
Deck

E (MPa)
18403*
E (MPa)
26071*
U1 (kN/cm)
Fixed
U2 (kN/cm)
10000*
U3 (kN/cm)
10000*
Links
R1 (kN.cm/rad)
0*
R2 (kN.cm/rad)
1000*
R3 (kN.cm/rad)
1000*
* Values obtained in the calibration performed by
comparing the numerical model with the modal
frequencies and deformed experimental model .

It is observed that there was a large variation in the

stiffness of the beams and columns in relation to the
parameters originally adopted. This variation is
caused by cracks in the experimental model, which
were caused by bending stresses, resulting in the
reduction of stiffness of the cross sections of the
deck and columns. Therefore, to achieve the
calibration of the model, it was necessary to reduce
the elastic modulus of the deck and the columns,
equating the stiffness of the numerical model to the
experimental model.
Table 3 shows the comparison of the experimental
natural frequencies to those obtained in the
calibrated numerical model. It also presents the mass

participation factors for each vibration mode from

the numerical model.
Table 3. Comparison between experimental and
numerical natural frequencies.
Mode

Natural frequencies (Hz)

Mass Participation
Ratios (%)*

Experimen
tal

Numerical

1- Trans.

10,9

12,0

91

2-Trans.

50,0

45,1

3- Long.

46,4

48,2

91

4-Vert.

101,7

116,9

33

5-Trans.

162,9

164,8

6-Vert.

341,8

346,5

7-Trans.

451,5

453,4

*The mass contribution factors of the vibration modes refer

to the numerical model.

The Figure 9 shows the modal deformed shapes

obtained from the numerical model that was
calibrated for each natural frequency.

Mode 1:

f = 12,0 Hz

Mode 2:

f = 45,1 Hz

5 CONCLUSION
The calibration of numerical models is a crucial
factor in the representation of the structural
behavior. Destructive Testing and Load Testing are
not always possible, due to security and operational
factors conditions. These factors make nondestructive techniques, such as dynamic monitoring,
an excellent alternative to calibrate models and
monitor the structural integrity throughout the
service life of the structure.
The experimental model that was used was cracked,
providing a challenge to calibrate the numerical
model. However, with the dynamic test and the
acceleration transducers positioned at key points, it
was possible to obtain the modal deformed with the
help of ARTeMIS Modal software [2], in addition to
the natural frequencies. Modal deformed allowed
different comparisons of the experimental numerical
models, in which the structural behavior of the
numerical model was observed, not only due the
similarity of the natural frequencies, but also due the
similarity of the modal deformed, giving more
certainty to the calibration parameters.
In order to accurately represent the cracked
condition and simply supported structure, it was
required to change the specific modulus of elasticity
and support conditions. Finally, by comparing the
modal deformed of Figure 8 (experimental) with
those of Figure 9 (numeric) and by analyzing the
natural frequencies of each vibration mode (Table 3),
it is possible to conclude that the structural behavior
of the numerical model, after calibration, reliably
represents the real structural.
For future studies in the use of dynamic tests, it is
intended to focus on the use of experimental analysis
for the detection and location of structural damage.
6 REFERENCES

Mode 3:

f = 48,2 Hz

Mode 4:

f = 116,9 Hz

Mode 5:

f = 164,8 Hz

Mode 6:

f = 346,5 Hz

Mode 7:

f = 453,4 Hz

Figure 9. Numerical model modal deformed.

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modelos fsicos reduzidos para investigao do
comportamento de estruturas em escala real /L.R.
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em:
<http://www.svibs.com/download/brochures/ARTeM
IS_modal_2013.pdf>. Acesso em: 10 mar. 2015.
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SAP2000 Product Discription. Disponvel em: <
https://wiki.csiamerica.com/display/sap2000/Home>
. Acesso em: 10 mar. 2015.
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estruturas de concreto: estudo experimental e
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