Finite Element Modeling of the Tower of Runyang Cable-stayed Bridge Based on Ambient Vibration Test

Abstract

In this paper, the multi level model updating method is put forward for finite element (FE) modeling of the bridge tower for long-span cable-stayed bridge, which includes model order updating, model structure updating, and model parameter updating. According to the design drawings of the tower of the Runyang Cable-stayed Bridge, the element numbers of the tower and calculation parameters for nodal rigid zone are both determined based on the analysis results of model order error and the structural modeling error. The FE model of the tower is further dynamically updated according to ambient vibration test through modal sensitivity based model updating method. Model updating verification results reveal that the model parameter updating should take nodal rigid zone and parameter modification restriction into account, on the basis of which the updated tower FE model can properly reflect the dynamic characteristics of the tower and can serve the baseline FE model for the purpose of structural health monitoring and safety evaluation.