Andrea Gennaro, Matteo Salvalaggio, Filippo Lorenzoni, Luca Tosolini and Francesca da Porto
i Research Fellow, University of Padua, Padua, Italy, andrea.gennaro@unipd.it
ii Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Minho, Minho, Portugal, matteo.salvalaggio@civil.uminho.pt
iii Research Associate, University of Padua, Padua, Italy, filippo.lorenzoni@unipd.it
iv PhD Student, University of Padua, Padua, Italy, francesca.daporto@unipd.it
v Full Professor, University of Padua, Padua, Italy, francesca.daporto@unipd.it
ABSTRACT
The seismic performance of masonry arch bridges is of paramount importance, given their historical significance and structural vulnerability to seismic events. A comprehensive understanding of the dynamic behavior of these structures is essential to ensure structural safety and to evaluate possible effective intervention strategies. In addition, evaluating the effectiveness of the executed interventions is also crucial to confirm that the implemented measures provide the expected improvements. This study assesses the efficacy of a structural intervention on a masonry arch bridge through the application of model updating techniques based on post-intervention data. The bridge was restored in order to improve its resistance to seismic events. After the restoration work, Ambient Vibration Tests (AVTs) were conducted in order to capture the bridge’s modal characteristics, including natural frequencies and mode shapes. The model updating process involved calibrating the Finite Element (FE) model to align with the measured dynamic responses, adjusting parameters such as material properties, boundary conditions, and structural details. Despite the absence of pre-intervention dynamic data, the updated FE model provides an accurate representation of the bridge’s current state, allowing for an indirect assessment of the intervention’s effectiveness in enhancing seismic performance.
KEYWORDS: Masonry arch bridge, Finite Element Modelling, Experimental test, Model updating, Ambient Vibration Tests.
119-Gennaro.pdf
