Structural Behavior Characterization of the Gravina Bridge (Matera, Southern Italy)

Abstract

We applied an integrated, non-invasive and non-destructive seismic and electromagnetic sensing for understanding the static and dynamic properties of the Gravina bridge and its interaction with foundation soils. The ‘Gravina’ is a bow-string bridge located in the city of Matera (Southern Italy) that extends for 144 m along a steel-concrete deck.For foundation soils characterization we executed 3 high-resolution geo-electrical tomographies, 1 bi-dimensional seismic array and two single station seismic noise measurements. The main structural characteristics of the bridge were evaluated through seismic and electromagnetic sensing. The seismic sensing was carried out with four accelerometers and twelve velocimeters (standard and low cost sensors) installed with different geometrical arrangement for real-time and on-demand ambient noise recordings, vibration tests and earthquake recordings. The electromagnetic data have been collected by placing the IBIS-S system below the deck of the bridge. Acquired data have been analyzed in frequency domain with the aim to evaluate the eigenfrequencies and equivalent viscous damping factors.