The paper shows the different dynamic tests performed in two-cable-stayed bridges: the Alamillo bridge in Spain and the General Belgrano (Chaco-Corrientes) bridge in Argentina. The first is a newly constructed bridge and the dynamic tests performed just after completion of the construction were justified to update the mathematical model and the scaled model used in the wind tunnel tests. The second corresponds to an existing cable-stayed bridge where a repair and strengthening work had to be undertaken. In this case, the model updating and correlation was mandatory to know some of the most important parameters involved in the design of the most effective repair (deck properties, cable forces,...). The vibration data is used in the identification of the model of the complete bridges as well as in the updating of the actual forces in the stays. The experiences show how with a minimum instrumentation and recording set-up, and with very simple excitation techniques, it is possible to derive important conclusions regarding the reliability and structural performance of cable-stayed bridges through dynamic testing.
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