Laser-Based Field Measurement for a Bridge Finite-Element Model Validation
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 28, Issue 5
Abstract
In bridge engineering, laser-based measurement techniques show promise in assisting field tests due to their noncontact features. A case study of using laser-based remote sensing to help collect data during in situ testing for a bridge finite-element (FE) model validation is reported in this paper. The skewed two-span bridge in this study was constructed with nine high performance steel girders in two phases. A three-dimensional (3D) FE model of the bridge superstructure was developed based on the information provided by the design files. Various field tests were performed to validate the model: (1) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scanning, (2) static truck load tests, and (3) laser Doppler vibrometer testing. The LiDAR scanner collected geometrical information of the actual bridge. It was also used to measure girder deflections during load testing. The fundamental frequency of the bridge vibration was obtained by using a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV). In situ dynamic and static measurements were compared to the FE model results, thus offering validation of the analytical predictions. Such analysis of the bridge superstructure serves as a baseline for post construction investigations, with important implications especially for the long-term structural health monitoring of the system as a whole.
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Acknowledgments
Special thanks to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) for funding this research project and for providing traffic control and the tandem dump trucks for the static load testing. The authors would like to acknowledge the support of Dr. Moy Biswas. The views, opinions, findings, and conclusions reflected in this presentation or publication are the responsibility of the authors only and do not represent the official policy or position of the NCDOT. The research team would like to acknowledge the support from Rea Contracting for allowing the research team to conduct field tests on the bridge before construction was completed. The research team at UNC Charlotte would also like to acknowledge the help of Structural Steel Products, Inc. and DS Brown for providing documentation relating to the manufacturing of the bridge girders and the pot bearings, respectively. Kaoshan Dai would like to acknowledge the support offered by the following programs for his research at Tongji University: Shanghai Science Foundation (12ZR1433500), National Natural Science Foundation of China (51208382), and the Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education (20120072120001).
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 28 • Issue 5 • October 2014
Copyright
© 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 8, 2013
Accepted: Jun 4, 2013
Published online: Jun 6, 2013
Published in print: Oct 1, 2014
Discussion open until: Nov 4, 2014
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