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Development of a hybrid bridge evaluation system Felber, Andreas Johann
Abstract
There is an increasing need to verify analytical dynamic models used for the seismic evaluation of existing bridges. During a retrofit evaluation, analytical models are created to predict the bridge response and damage levels due to seismic loading. These models should be verified so damage levels can be determined more confidently. Currently experimental studies are only occasionally performed on existing structures to verify analytical models because existing testing methods are too costly, require traffic shutdowns, and do not deliver results quickly enough for routine use. To overcome these limitations, the hybrid bridge evaluation system (HBES) was developed using ambient vibration techniques to inexpensively and quickly determine the dynamic characteristics of a large variety of structures. The HBES combines state of the art vibration measurement hardware with a series of custom developed programs to expedite ambient vibration studies. In particular, two new functions were developed and implemented as part of the HBES software to interpret the data quickly. These functions made it possible to analyse the data obtained from ambient vibration measurements in the field. This is a considerable advancement over traditional systems which require several weeks of data analysis after the field work is completed. Since partial experimental results can be obtained with the HBES while some of the tests are still in progress, the quality of the collected information can be assessed before leaving the site. After returning from the site, the experimental results can be used to verify and tune analytical models. A number of tests were conducted as part of this thesis which demonstrate the HBES’ performance. The study of the Shipshaw Bridge data, which was analyzed in one day, demonstrated the unique speed of the system. The study of the Squamish Wharf demonstrated the system’s capability to determine the dynamic characteristics of structures with very small ambient vibrations levels (+1- 0.02 mg). The complete study of the Colquitz River Bridge was used to evaluate the HBES’ components and their integration. This study confirmed the suitability of the hardware and demonstrated that the integrated programs were capable of expeditiously acquiring, analyzing, and interpreting large amounts of data. The experimentally obtained characteristics of the structure were used to refine the structure’s analytical models. The HBES system can now be used as an effective tool in the seismic evaluation of bridges.
Item Metadata
Title |
Development of a hybrid bridge evaluation system
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Creator | |
Publisher |
University of British Columbia
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Date Issued |
1994
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Description |
There is an increasing need to verify analytical dynamic models used for the seismic evaluation of
existing bridges. During a retrofit evaluation, analytical models are created to predict the bridge
response and damage levels due to seismic loading. These models should be verified so damage
levels can be determined more confidently. Currently experimental studies are only occasionally
performed on existing structures to verify analytical models because existing testing methods are
too costly, require traffic shutdowns, and do not deliver results quickly enough for routine use.
To overcome these limitations, the hybrid bridge evaluation system (HBES) was developed using
ambient vibration techniques to inexpensively and quickly determine the dynamic characteristics
of a large variety of structures. The HBES combines state of the art vibration measurement hardware
with a series of custom developed programs to expedite ambient vibration studies. In particular,
two new functions were developed and implemented as part of the HBES software to interpret the
data quickly. These functions made it possible to analyse the data obtained from ambient vibration
measurements in the field. This is a considerable advancement over traditional systems which
require several weeks of data analysis after the field work is completed. Since partial experimental
results can be obtained with the HBES while some of the tests are still in progress, the quality of
the collected information can be assessed before leaving the site. After returning from the site, the
experimental results can be used to verify and tune analytical models.
A number of tests were conducted as part of this thesis which demonstrate the HBES’ performance.
The study of the Shipshaw Bridge data, which was analyzed in one day, demonstrated the unique speed of the system. The study of the Squamish Wharf demonstrated the system’s capability to
determine the dynamic characteristics of structures with very small ambient vibrations levels (+1-
0.02 mg). The complete study of the Colquitz River Bridge was used to evaluate the HBES’
components and their integration. This study confirmed the suitability of the hardware and
demonstrated that the integrated programs were capable of expeditiously acquiring, analyzing, and
interpreting large amounts of data. The experimentally obtained characteristics of the structure
were used to refine the structure’s analytical models. The HBES system can now be used as an
effective tool in the seismic evaluation of bridges.
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Extent |
5256393 bytes
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Genre | |
Type | |
File Format |
application/pdf
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Language |
eng
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Date Available |
2009-04-07
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Provider |
Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library
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Rights |
For non-commercial purposes only, such as research, private study and education. Additional conditions apply, see Terms of Use https://open.library.ubc.ca/terms_of_use.
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DOI |
10.14288/1.0050403
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URI | |
Degree | |
Program | |
Affiliation | |
Degree Grantor |
University of British Columbia
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Graduation Date |
1994-05
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Campus | |
Scholarly Level |
Graduate
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Aggregated Source Repository |
DSpace
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Item Media
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Rights
For non-commercial purposes only, such as research, private study and education. Additional conditions apply, see Terms of Use https://open.library.ubc.ca/terms_of_use.