Effects of testing, analysis, damage, and environment on modal parameters

Experimental and analytical modal analysis techniques have been,widely used in civil engineering for a number of years, mostly in seismic applications. Since the beginning of this decade, these techniques have received considerable attention in non-seismic applications such as structural damage detection, analytical model calibration and remote-monitoring systems. In these applications, most studies have concentrated on correlating modal parameters to changes in structural condition. However, for reliable performance of modal techniques in field situations, it is essential to understand and establish the variability of modal parameters due to test procedures and in-service environments of structures. New York has been researching this subject extensively for the past few years, and has tested several structures including(1) a 1/6-scale model highway bridge, (2) an abandoned fracture-critical highway bridge and (3) an in-service highway bridge. Both the abandoned highway bridge and model bridge were tested under intact and simulated-damage conditions. This paper briefly describes these studies. Results indicate that modal frequencies in conjunction with mode shapes may be used to identify the existence of bridge damage or deterioration of interest, but it is difficult to isolate damage locations using these modal parameters. Operating conditions affect the modal properties and are critical in establishing a baseline for structural monitoring.