Experimental evaluation of the modal characteristics of a framed building and adjustment of the mathematical model

This article presents the evaluation of the dynamic properties (frequencies , damping ratios, and modal shapes) of a five-story framed building by vari ous experimental procedures (free, harmonic and ambient vibration tests). T he results were very similar even though ambient vibrations tests deal with amplitudes 20 times lower than free vibration. Special attention is given to free vibration in the frequency domain. Mathematical model adjustment is also carried out. A model including masonry, soil structure iteration, sta irs, and slab influences reproduced quite accurately the experimental value s of the dynamic properties of the first three modes.