Model Updating of Bridges Using Measured Influence Lines

In developing a digital twin of a real structure, finite element model updating (FEMU) is essential for refining the model’s response based on measured data, enabling the detection of structural damage or hidden reserves over time. This case study focused on a 40-year-old multi-span concrete roadway...

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Main Authors: Doron Hekič, Jan Kalin, Aleš Žnidarič, Peter Češarek, Andrej Anžlin
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/8/4514
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author Doron Hekič
Jan Kalin
Aleš Žnidarič
Peter Češarek
Andrej Anžlin
author_facet Doron Hekič
Jan Kalin
Aleš Žnidarič
Peter Češarek
Andrej Anžlin
author_sort Doron Hekič
collection DOAJ
description In developing a digital twin of a real structure, finite element model updating (FEMU) is essential for refining the model’s response based on measured data, enabling the detection of structural damage or hidden reserves over time. This case study focused on a 40-year-old multi-span concrete roadway bridge, equipped with permanent bridge weigh-in-motion (B-WIM) and structural health monitoring (SHM) systems. Bridge responses from two calibration vehicles were used to derive strain influence lines (ILs) from mid-span B-WIM strain transducers mounted on the main girders. The error-domain model falsification (EDMF) methodology was applied to perform strain IL-based FEMU and the more conventional frequency-based, MAC-based, and combined frequency and MAC-based FEMU. Boundary conditions and three Young’s modulus adjustment factors, representing different groups of structural elements, were updated. The strain IL-based updated FE model, with averages of 35% and 50% stiffness increases for the two main girders, showed strong agreement with independently measured mid-span vertical displacements. Maximum values deviated not more than 5%. In contrast, the frequency and MAC-based updated FE model underestimated displacements by 25–30%. These findings highlight the potential of using B-WIM for FEMU and SHM on such types of bridges, particularly when the response under traffic load is of interest.
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spelling doaj-art-e8b638d9460947b6942d8f2b45fb7b202025-08-20T03:14:20ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172025-04-01158451410.3390/app15084514Model Updating of Bridges Using Measured Influence LinesDoron Hekič0Jan Kalin1Aleš Žnidarič2Peter Češarek3Andrej Anžlin4Department of Structures, Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute, Dimičeva ulica 12, 1000 Ljubljana, SloveniaDepartment of Structures, Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute, Dimičeva ulica 12, 1000 Ljubljana, SloveniaDepartment of Structures, Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute, Dimičeva ulica 12, 1000 Ljubljana, SloveniaFaculty of Civil and Geodetic Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Jamova cesta 2, 1000 Ljubljana, SloveniaDepartment of Structures, Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute, Dimičeva ulica 12, 1000 Ljubljana, SloveniaIn developing a digital twin of a real structure, finite element model updating (FEMU) is essential for refining the model’s response based on measured data, enabling the detection of structural damage or hidden reserves over time. This case study focused on a 40-year-old multi-span concrete roadway bridge, equipped with permanent bridge weigh-in-motion (B-WIM) and structural health monitoring (SHM) systems. Bridge responses from two calibration vehicles were used to derive strain influence lines (ILs) from mid-span B-WIM strain transducers mounted on the main girders. The error-domain model falsification (EDMF) methodology was applied to perform strain IL-based FEMU and the more conventional frequency-based, MAC-based, and combined frequency and MAC-based FEMU. Boundary conditions and three Young’s modulus adjustment factors, representing different groups of structural elements, were updated. The strain IL-based updated FE model, with averages of 35% and 50% stiffness increases for the two main girders, showed strong agreement with independently measured mid-span vertical displacements. Maximum values deviated not more than 5%. In contrast, the frequency and MAC-based updated FE model underestimated displacements by 25–30%. These findings highlight the potential of using B-WIM for FEMU and SHM on such types of bridges, particularly when the response under traffic load is of interest.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/8/4514finite element model updating (FEMU)calibrationbridgebridge weigh-in-motion (B-WIM)structural health monitoring (SHM)error-domain model falsification (EDMF)
spellingShingle Doron Hekič
Jan Kalin
Aleš Žnidarič
Peter Češarek
Andrej Anžlin
Model Updating of Bridges Using Measured Influence Lines
Applied Sciences
finite element model updating (FEMU)
calibration
bridge
bridge weigh-in-motion (B-WIM)
structural health monitoring (SHM)
error-domain model falsification (EDMF)
title Model Updating of Bridges Using Measured Influence Lines
title_full Model Updating of Bridges Using Measured Influence Lines
title_fullStr Model Updating of Bridges Using Measured Influence Lines
title_full_unstemmed Model Updating of Bridges Using Measured Influence Lines
title_short Model Updating of Bridges Using Measured Influence Lines
title_sort model updating of bridges using measured influence lines
topic finite element model updating (FEMU)
calibration
bridge
bridge weigh-in-motion (B-WIM)
structural health monitoring (SHM)
error-domain model falsification (EDMF)
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/8/4514
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