Bridge Condition Evaluation by In Situ Dynamic Data

The performance of vibration-based damage identification techniques for current condition evaluation of existing bridges is studied through their application to dynamic response of an existing concrete bridge. First, in situ dynamic tests were performed and modal parameters (mode shapes and frequencies) were identified. As previous sets of in situ dynamic parameters were not available, the reference dynamic parameters were obtained from a finite element model of the bridge. Comparing modal parameters of the finite element bridge model and the in situ experimental results through damage identification techniques, the bridge current condition was examined. That evaluation results showed that techniques like strain energy and flexibility curvature present promising results for current condition evaluation of existing bridges.