Modal Identification of NonClassically damped structures

January 2015

Sigurbjrn Brarson
Dr. Rajesh Rupakhety, Dr. Ragnar Sigbjrnsson

Objective
This thesis focuses on modal identification of structural systems.
System identification using experimental modal analysis is an
important field in the study of dynamic systems. It can be used
to create mathematical models of structures which can then be
used in simulation and design. It can also be used in structural
health monitoring. Modal identification also provides a valuable
means of calibrating, validating, and updating finite element
models of structures.

Case study seyri Bridge

As a case study, system identification of a base-isolated
highway bridge was undertaken. The bridge selected was
seyri bridge, located in the south of Iceland. A simple finite
element model was created in SAP2000, using structural
drawings.

Introduction

All real physical structures behave dynamically when

subjected to time dependent loads or displacements. If the
forces or displacements are applied very slowly, the inertia
effects can be neglected and a static analysis can be justified.
Dynamic excitations such as wind loads, seismic loads, blast
loads, and vibration-induced loads can impose unexpected
demand on structures. A time dependent force, even of relatively
low amplitude, can induce, on certain dynamic systems,
significant consequences. The models used for design of
structures are based on certain key parameters that control the
dynamic response, such as the frequencies, mode shapes, and
damping mechanisms. What the models used dont adequately
account for is that when a structure goes under extreme loading
once, or repeated loading for long periods, the structure begins
to deteriorate. Micro-cracks in concrete form, steel begins to
yield or corrode, and bolts used get strained due to fatigue, and
when such things happen, the system parameters change, albeit
slowly. The process of monitoring those changes in the structural
parameters is called structural health monitoring (SHM). The
ultimate goal is to detect damage before it poses a risk. By doing
so, the life time of a structure can be increased due to timely
remedial actions and lower maintenance cost due to early
detection. The findings of a SHM are used to update finite
elements models which then again are used to verify the
integrity of the structure. In time, the structure will have to lower
its design forces or the structure replaced.

The bridge was modelled using frame elements with different

cross sections and nonlinear link elements to represents rubber
joints which lay on top of the pillars and carry the bridge deck.
The bridge deck was modelled with two different cross sections:
one which represents the deck over the pillars and another which
represents the deck over the spans. The pillars were modelled
using three different sections, due to the varying cross sectional
area with height. The rubber bearings work as seismic base
isolation devices. The rubber bearings have lead cores withA
layers of steel plates and rubber. The lead gives the bearing its
initial horizontal stiffness, and energy dissipation capacity by
virtue of its low yield strength. The steel plates contribute to the
vertical stiffness while the rubber gives the post yield horizontal
stiffness. For non-classically damped models, additional damping
force is added to the rubber bearings, in 5% increments damping
force of critical damping for the fundamental period.
C
D
This model was excited with three component ground motion and
the excitation and displacement response used for system
identification.

Figure 2 : Identified periods and damping ratios for

no additional damping in the rubber bearings vs 30%
damping in the rubber bearings compared to the
original Rayleigh Damping model

Results

The modes identified had, in general, very high participation

factors. Modes with higher participation factors have more
effect on the motion of the bridge, so high participation in
identified modes was expected. With increased damping, the
damping ratios for periods in the mass proportional regime of
the Rayleigh damping model seem to be more affected. A
modified Rayleigh damping model could be fitted to account
for the additional damping. Overall, the results fit well with the
modal analysis. Even though only 6 degrees of freedom were
used to represent the movement of the whole system, the
results obtained are satisfactory. System identification is a
very powerful tool which can yield results, given a limited
Acknowledgements
amount
of data, although more data is always preferred.
Much gratitude towards the Earthquake Engineering
Research centre located in Selfoss, for providing me
with a work area and invaluable experience in
working with professionals.