Finite Element Model Updating of Space Grid Structures

2011 ◽  
Vol 243-249 ◽  
pp. 116-119
Author(s):  
Tian Yin Xiao ◽  
Jian Gang Han ◽  
Hong Bo Gao

The aim of updating models is to generate improved numerical models which may be applied in order to predict actual dynamic behaviors of the structure. The approach of numerical predictions to the behavior of a physical system is limited by the assumptions used in the development of the mathematical model. Model updating is about correcting invalid assumptions by processing vibration test results. Updating by improving the physical meaning of the model requires the application of considerable physical insight in the choice of parameters to update and the arrangement of constraints, force inputs and response measurements in the vibration test. The choice of updating parameters is the most important and the numerical predictions should be sensitive to small changes in the parameters. So methods used in model updating places a demand that the mass, stiffness and damping terms should be based on physically meaningful parameters. Using the structure frequency and local modal shape acquired from structural time-history responses, a model updating method of space grid structures was established in this paper. A numerical example is provided to prove the accuracy of this method. The results show that the method can be effectively used to correct the finite element model of space grid structures.

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (16) ◽  
pp. 3487-3502
Author(s):  
Hossein Moravej ◽  
Tommy HT Chan ◽  
Khac-Duy Nguyen ◽  
Andre Jesus

Structural health monitoring plays a significant role in providing information regarding the performance of structures throughout their life spans. However, information that is directly extracted from monitored data is usually susceptible to uncertainties and not reliable enough to be used for structural investigations. Finite element model updating is an accredited framework that reliably identifies structural behavior. Recently, the modular Bayesian approach has emerged as a probabilistic technique in calibrating the finite element model of structures and comprehensively addressing uncertainties. However, few studies have investigated its performance on real structures. In this article, modular Bayesian approach is applied to calibrate the finite element model of a lab-scaled concrete box girder bridge. This study is the first to use the modular Bayesian approach to update the initial finite element model of a real structure for two states—undamaged and damaged conditions—in which the damaged state represents changes in structural parameters as a result of aging or overloading. The application of the modular Bayesian approach in the two states provides an opportunity to examine the performance of the approach with observed evidence. A discrepancy function is used to identify the deviation between the outputs of the experimental and numerical models. To alleviate computational burden, the numerical model and the model discrepancy function are replaced by Gaussian processes. Results indicate a significant reduction in the stiffness of concrete in the damaged state, which is identical to cracks observed on the body of the structure. The discrepancy function reaches satisfying ranges in both states, which implies that the properties of the structure are predicted accurately. Consequently, the proposed methodology contributes to a more reliable judgment about structural safety.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chien-Chung Chen ◽  
Daniel G. Linzell

The objective of the work discussed herein is to develop a nonlinear 3D finite element model to simulate dynamic behavior of polyurea toughened steel plates under impact loading. Experimental and numerical work related to model development are presented. Material properties are incorporated into numerical models to account for strain-rate effects on the dynamic behavior of polyurea and steel. One bare steel plate and four polyurea toughened steel plates were tested under impact loading using a pendulum impact device. Displacement time-history data from experimental work was used to validate the numerical models. Details on material model construction, finite element model development, and model validation are presented and discussed. Results indicate that the developed numerical models can reasonably predict dynamic response of polyurea toughened steel plates under impact loading.


Author(s):  
Carlo Baggio ◽  
Valerio Sabbatini ◽  
Silvia Santini ◽  
Claudio Sebastiani

AbstractUnderstanding the behavior of historic structures that have undergone structural changes, restorations, and damage over time is still a significant challenge for structural engineers, particularly in those countries subject to high seismic risk, such as Italy. The study of built heritage for its prevention and conservation is an active research topic, due to the numerous uncertainties present in historic structures. Finite element modelling has become the most common and accessible method to study the behavior of complex masonry structures, however, the gap between numerical and experimental analysis may lead to erroneous results. Model updating techniques can reduce the discrepancy between the behavior of the numerical models and the testing results. The goal of this work is to illustrate a methodology to integrate the information derived from local, global, and geotechnical investigations into the finite element model of the masonry historical church of San Giovanni in Macerata, considering the Douglas–Reid model updating method. The PRiSMa laboratory of Roma Tre University carried out local investigations such as sonic tomography, video endoscopy and double flat jack tests, along with five ambient vibration tests that were processed through the operational modal analysis to extrapolate the dynamic properties of the building (modal frequency, modal shape vector and modal damping). The combined use of global, local and geotechnical information implemented in the methodology effectively reduced the uncertainties of the model and led the refinement and validation of the most relevant structural parameters.


2018 ◽  
Vol 774 ◽  
pp. 589-594
Author(s):  
J. Pérez-Aracil ◽  
A.M. Hernandez-Díaz ◽  
J.F. Jiménez-Alonso ◽  
F.J. Puerta-Lopez

Finite element model updating is a well-known technique to better characterize the real behaviour of civil engineering structures. The updated numerical model can be used to perform a more accurate structural assessment. Herein, its effectiveness is validated through the fatigue assessment of a lively footbridge considering two different numerical models: (i) a preliminary finite element (FE) model and (ii) an updated version of the preliminary model based on the modal parameters of the footbridge identified experimentally. For this purpose, the Malecon footbridge (Murcia, Spain) has been considered. This footbridge, a cable-stayed structure, is prone to vibrate in vertical direction under continuous walking pedestrian flows so fatigue damage might be expected on its supporting cables. A detailed FE model of the footbridge has been performed and subsequently updated based on the experimental modal parameters of the structure. The behaviour of the pedestrian flows was characterized by field observations. Finally, a comparison is performed between the fatigue damage of some cables of the footbridge considering the two mentioned FE models. The safe life method was used to assess such damage. As result, a maximum relative difference around 52 % was obtained between the two numerical models.


2020 ◽  
pp. 147592172096386
Author(s):  
Kaiqi Lin ◽  
You-Lin Xu ◽  
Xinzheng Lu ◽  
Zhongguo Guan ◽  
Jianzhong Li

Accurate finite element models play significant roles in the design, health monitoring and life-cycle maintenance of long-span bridges. However, due to uncertainties involved in finite element modelling, updating of the finite element model to best represent the real bridge is inevitable. This is particularly true after a long-span bridge experiences a moderate or severe earthquake and suffers some damage. This study thus proposes a time history analysis-based nonlinear finite element model updating method for long-span cable-stayed bridges. Special efforts are made to (1) establish the response time history-based objective functions and associated acceptance criteria, (2) conduct comprehensive sensitivity analyses to select appropriate nonlinear updating parameters and (3) develop a highly efficient cluster computing-aided optimization algorithm. A scaled structure of the Sutong cable-stayed bridge in China is adopted as a case study. Three nonlinear test cases performed in the shake table tests of the scaled bridge are used to validate the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed method. A good agreement is observed between the simulated response time histories and the measured response time histories for the scaled bridge under both moderate and strong ground motions. The proposed method could provide an accurate nonlinear finite element model for better performance assessment, damage detection and life-cycle maintenance of long-span cable-stayed bridges.


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