Author(s)

C. CUADRA, N. SHIMOI & M. SAIJO

Abstract

Applicability of new bolt-type piezoelectric bolt sensor to estimate dynamic properties of bridges is verified by comparing measurement results with those obtained from ambient vibration observations and from finite element method of analysis. For this study a bridge located at Yurihonjo city, Japan, was chosen as the target structure. The structure is a multiple-span type bridge with steel beams of variable sections and reinforced concrete slabs to support the asphalt carpet. The bridge consists of seven spans with a total length of 256 m. The experimental measurements using the new bolt-type sensor were performed only on the first span near the left abutment. However, ambient vibration measurements and analysis were done for all spans. In general, responses were obtained appropriately using the new sensor and that results are comparable with those obtained from analysis and ambient vibration measurements.

Keywords

ambient vibration, finite element method, natural frequency of vibration, piezoelectric bolt sensor