System Identification of Heritage Structures Through AVT and OMA: A Review

Abstract

In this review article, the past investigations carried out on heritage structures using Ambient Vibration Test (AVT) and Operational Modal Analysis (OMA) for system identification (determination of dynamic properties like frequency, mode shape and damping ratios) and associated applications are summarized. A total of 68 major research studies on heritage structures around the world that are available in literature are surveyed for this purpose. At first, field investigations carried out on heritage structures prior to conducting AVT are explained in detail. Next, specifications of accelerometers, location of accelerometers and optimization of accelerometer networks have been elaborated with respect to the geometry of the heritage structures. In addition to this, ambient vibration loads and data acquisition procedures are also discussed. Further, the state of art of performing OMA techniques for heritage structures is explained briefly. Furthermore, various applications of system identification for heritage structures are documented. Finally, conclusions are made towards errorless system identification of heritage structures through AVT and OMA.