Integrating geomatic approaches, operational modal analysis, advanced numerical and updating methods to evaluate the current safety conditions of the historical bôco bridge

Abstract

This paper proposes a multidisciplinary approach, combining the terrestrial laser scanner, ambient vibration tests and minor destructive tests, to characterize an early reinforced concrete bridge in Portugal: the Bôco Bridge. All methods are complemented by advanced numerical simulations and a coarse to fine calibration strategy, based on the Douglas-Reid and the nonlinear least squares approaches. Results obtained corroborate the robustness of the proposed approach, with an average relative error in frequencies of 1.2% and an average modal assurance criterion of 0.91. Considering this model, its current safety conditions were evaluated, obtaining a minimum safety factor of 2.1.