ABSTRACT

The development of numerical models and the evaluation by techniques of dynamic analysis has gained significant importance and it is able to provide accurate information to analyze structural integrity, durability and reliability along the life cycle and optimize the operational activities and maintenance. The updated numerical model is a procedure to determine the parameters of uncertainty of the initial model, based on experimental results, and to achieve more appropriate upgraded model. This paper describes the application of the modal updating techniques implemented in commercially available software packages to the identification of the global behavior of a cable-stayed bridge. The updated numerical model can be used to evaluate the structural integrity, durability, and reliability along the life cycle and to optimize operational and maintenance activities.