STRUCTURAL ASSESSMENT BY MODAL ANALYSIS IN WESTERN CANADA

摘要

Modal testing of a civil engineering structure is generally conducted when ifs complexity is such that the expense and effort required to obtain its experimental dynamic properties is justified. The need to use the experimental data as a bench mark for calibrating finite element models is a valid justification. Because of the underlying assumptions regarding boundary conditions and member properties and connectivities in finite element modeling, structural engineers often require ways lo calibrate their models in order to develop some degree of confidence in the results from computer runs. Considering the significant effort and economic resources needed to conduct such tests, modal testing cannot be conducted on a regular basis. However, the information obtained from each test is invaluable for structural assessment. This paper presents a summary of recent projects for structural assessment of civil engineering structures in Western Canada by modal analysis. A chronological list of significant testing projects in the last two decades, with brief description of each, is presented.