Dynamic testing of a damaged bridge

In this paper the results of a campaign of dynamic tests carried out on an existing reinforced concrete single-span bridge subjected to increasing levels of damage are presented. The deck structure consists of a slab and three simply supported beams. The damage is represented by a series of notches made on a lateral beam to simulate the effect of incremental concentrated damage. The modal parameters of the lower vibration modes were estimated from frequency response measurements obtained under harmonic excitation. The variation of natural frequencies shows an anomalous increase in the transition from one intermediate configuration to the next damage configurations. Changes in vibration modes are appreciable from the earliest level of damage. In particular, changes in modal curvature of lower modes do provide indication on the damage location.