Updating the finite element model of a Colombian Bridge with Ansys

Abstract

Updating structural model is a knowledge field that have been studied in the last decades to guarantee the reliability on the model defined to represent the behavior of a structure, but generally implies the use of different software to carry out the different parts of the process. This paper presents the updating of the finite element model of a curve-alignment reinforced concrete bridge located near to the city of Ubaté in Colombia by using the optimization tool available in software Ansys and ambient vibration measurements. The use of such type of information avoids to carry out forced-vibration test, which affect the normal operation of the bridge. The objective function corresponds to the minimization of the error between analytical and experimental natural frequencies of the bridge. The design variables correspond to the material properties of the concrete and the elastomeric bearings. Results show that the error was decreased to less than 2%. The sensibility analysis allowed to determine which variables are more sensible to affect the natural frequencies in the structure.