Initial test results from FHWA project Dynamic Bridge Substructure Evaluation and Monitoring System

摘要

Abstract: The FHWA project 'Dynamic Bridge Substructure Evaluation and Monitoring System' was conceived to use dynamic characteristics of the bridge substructure to determine the condition of the foundation and to identify the type of the underground substructure (deep or shallow foundation). The determination of the foundation condition will be used to quantify losses in foundation stiffness caused by seismic and scour events. The dynamic characteristics of natural frequencies and mode shapes are extracted from the experimental data and compared with the computer simulation results. The computer simulations are based on a 3-D finite element modeling with Super-Soil-Structural (SSS) elements. The stiffness and mass of these Super-Soil-Structural elements are indicative of the foundation conditions which may be quantified by structural parameter identification techniques. Discussed in this paper are experimental test setups and initial test results for three kinds of foundation conditions at the Trinity River Bridge in Liberty County, Texas. !7