Structural Identification for Performance Prediction Considering Uncertainties: Case Study of a Movable Bridge

    Authors

    H. B. Gokce; F. N. Catbas; M. Gul;D. M. Frangopol

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    J. Struct. Eng.

    Keywords

    Finite element method; Structural health monitoring; Uncertainty; principles; Load factors; Predictions; Bridges; Case studies; Finite-element model; Structural health monitoring (SHM); Bridge; Uncertainty; Reliability; Load rating; Prediction; Structural; identification (St-Id); FINITE-ELEMENT-ANALYSIS; BAYESIAN PROBABILISTIC APPROACH; SYSTEM-IDENTIFICATION; AMBIENT VIBRATION; UPDATING MODELS; MONITORING; DATA; RELIABILITY; OPTIMIZATION; FORMULATION; SIMULATION; Construction & Building Technology; Engineering, Civil

    Abstract

    Structural identification (St-Id) can be described simply as estimating the properties of a structural system based on a correlation of inputs and outputs for decision making. For a complete St-Id process, establishing the decision-making needs, developing analytical and numerical models, and conducting field measurements, along with parameter identification using the experimental data for model calibration, are carried out. One important consideration is evaluation of the limitations and adequacy of using a single calibrated model before leveraging it for decision making, such as the reliability of the structural system for the remainder of its design life. The uncertainties in the data collected, determined by means of intermittent testing or monitoring; the limitations of the models; and the nonstationary nature of structural behavior need to be considered. These uncertainties can be incorporated by using of a family of parent and offspring models. The objective of this paper is to illustrate the use of a family of models that incorporates the uncertainties and makes predictions in terms of load rating and system-level reliability with the help of structural health monitoring (SHM) data. First, a finite-element (FE) model of a movable bridge is calibrated with SHM data, and parent FE models are created to best represent the measurements. At the same time, uncertainties in critical structural parameters such as boundary conditions are considered by offspring models. The family-of-models approach is employed to estimate load rating and system reliability by considering the probability of failure of the system with different correlations among the safety margins of the components. Finally, future performance of the movable bridge in the case of damage and deterioration is estimated for demonstration of structural identification for performance prediction by considering uncertainties. Such results are expected to provide a set of solutions for the performance of a structure for optimal decision making.

    Journal Title

    Journal of Structural Engineering

    Volume

    139

    Issue/Number

    10

    Publication Date

    1-1-2013

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    1703

    Last Page

    1715

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000324420100008

    ISSN

    0733-9445

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