Abstract
This paper focused on the application of finite element model updating technique to evaluate the structural properties of the reinforced concrete specimen using the data collected from shaking table tests. The specimen was subjected to six El Centre (NS, 1942) ground motion histories with different peak ground acceleration (PGA) ranging from 0.06 g to 0.50 g. For model updating, flexural stiffness values of structural members (walls and slabs) were chosen as the updating parameters so that the converged results have direct physical interpretations. Initial values for finite element model were determined from the member dimensions and material properties. Frequency response functions (i.e. transfer functions), natural frequencies and mode shapes were obtained using the acceleration measurement at each floor and given ground acceleration history. The weighting factors were used to account for the relative confidence in different types of Inputs for updating (j.e. transfer function and natural frequencies) The constraints based on upper/lower bound of parameters and sensitivity-based constraints were implemented to the updating procedure in this study using standard bounded variable least-squares(BVLS) method. The veracity of the updated finite element model was investigated by comparing the predicted and measured responses. The results indicated that the updated model replicates the dynamic behavior of the specimens reasonably well. At each stage of shaking, severity of damage that results from cracking of the reinforced concrete member was quantified from the updated parameters (i.e. flexural stiffness values).
