Benchmark model updating for cable stayed bridges

Abstract

The use of benchmark model aims to establish a model with sufficient accuracy to reflect structure performance. Its purpose is seeking differences through repeated studying on problems using common FE model. In the paper, a novel approach is proposed for the benchmark model updating of a cable stayed bridge. It is based on the interaction of numerical analysis program and FE analysis program with updating model parameters from loop iteration operation. Shell elements and beam elements are both used, and the natural vibration frequencies and mode shapes from plate-shell element model are determined. These are used to modify the parameters used in a spine-beam element model, and to simplify a complicated FE model as a benchmark model. The genetic algorithm (GA) is introduced to complete the calculation process of loop iteration. Finally, an updated benchmark model is proposed for cable stayed bridges.