Vibration based criteria for damage control in bridge structures

Abstract

Along the years, researchers have made efforts in the sense of quantifying structural performance and damage in function of vibration measurements, [1] and [2]. Similarly the present work investigates a vibration based criteria for bridge structures as a basis to evaluate damage in existing bridges. With this purpose, a bridge data base collected during field tests accomplished in Brazilian bridges was used. The results show a clear correlation between the damage index and the intensity of bridge vibration. As a final result, from the observed correlations, limits of acceleration are proposed to be considered in existing bridges to certify a correct long-term condition. A critical approach of current Brazilian Standard (NBR-15307 2005) which suggests damage estimation in function of bridge vibration is also carried out.