Keywords: model updating, bridge model, structural dynamic testing, modal data measurements, dynamic perturbation method..

A finite element model updating method is presented to improve the correlation between the finite element numerical model and the corresponding tested structure at a local level such as structural member joints. In order to adjust structural parameters at detailed locations, structural updating parameters are selected at critical point level to reflect the modelling errors at the connections of structural elements. The proposed method is based on the relationship between the perturbation of structural parameters such as stiffness change and the frequency measurements of the tested structure. An effective approach is proposed for directly updating the finite element model from measured vibration modal data such as natural frequencies with the Moore-Penrose pseudo-inverse algorithm. A steel bridge model structure was constructed in the laboratory for structural dynamic testing and structural model updating investigations. From vibration testing, modal data such as natural frequency are then obtained using modal analysis techniques. The experimental studies for the laboratory bridge model tested show that the proposed model updating technique is capable of providing reliable model updating results.

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