Experimental and numerical approaches for structural assessment in new footbridge designs (SFRSCC–GFPR hybrid structure)

• Published in: Composite structures 2015-12, Vol.134, p.95-105
• Main Authors: Sánchez-Aparicio, Luis Javier, Ramos, Luís F., Sena-Cruz, José, Barros, Joaquim O., Riveiro, Belén
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Calibration; Civil structures; Computer simulation; Damage; Damage identification; Design engineering; Experimental tests; Finite Element Model Updating; GFRP pultruded profiles; Mathematical analysis; Mathematical models; Operational Modal Analysis; Pedestrian bridges
• ISSN: 0263-8223; 1879-1085
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compstruct.2015.07.041

Within the civil engineering field, the use of the Finite Element Method has acquired a significant importance, since numerical simulations have been employed in a broad field, which encloses the design, analysis and prediction of the structural behaviour of constructions and infrastructures. Nevertheless, these mathematical simulations can only be useful if all the mechanical properties of the materials, boundary conditions and damages are properly modelled. Therefore, it is required not only experimental data (static and/or dynamic tests) to provide references parameters, but also robust calibration methods able to model damage or other special structural conditions. The present paper addresses the model calibration of a footbridge bridge tested with static loads and ambient vibrations. Damage assessment was also carried out based on a hybrid numerical procedure, which combines discrete damage functions with sets of piecewise linear damage functions. Results from the model calibration shows that the model reproduces with good accuracy the experimental behaviour of the bridge.