Experimental modal analysis of the Garigliano cable-stayed bridge

An experimental study was carried out on the Garigliano Cable-Stayed Bridge (Italy) in order to find out its dynamic characteristics, such as resonanc e frequencies, modal shapes and damping factors. Measurements were done by using a limited number of sensors, properly located on the structure. This was excited by means of a lorry driving over a wooden bar. The experimental results were compared with those obtained from a finite element analysis. The numerical model, defined by means of the experimental dynamic analysis, was also used for the structural analysis under service loads as part of s tructural testing. (C) 1998 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights r eserved.