A Novel Finite Element Model Updating Application Based on Experimental Vibration Data

This paper proposes a Finite Element (FE) model updating method using structural dynamic characteristics. The method is performed on a slab bridge. The FE bridge is modelled in MATLAB, considering the minimum number of support points for boundary conditions and the maximum meshed element size. The prototype of the slab bridge is set up in the laboratory. The experimental vibration data is collected using fifteen accelerometers, National Instruments (NI) equipment, and a laptop. The dynamic features of the experimental slab bridge, for example, natural frequencies and mode shapes are analysed using vibration data and used as an objective goal for updating the FE model. The updating approach is based on novel nature-inspired optimization algorithms optimization techniques like Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Firefly Algorithm (FA), Genetic Algorithm (GA), Cuckoo Search (CS), and Flower Pollination Algorithm (FPA). The modulus of elasticity, support distances, and plate dimensions are considered to be updated parameters. The experimental results imply that the updated parameters are reasonable and have a clear physical meaning.