The development of experimental methods in structural dynamics

Abstract

The development of experimental studies in the general field of structural dynamics is presented, with particular reference to earthquake and wind engineering. It starts with the 1960s studies at Laboratorio National de Engenharia Civil (LNEC) Lisbon, which were the first to consider and apply the conditions for dynamic similitude of models vibrating in water, and ends with current advances that make use of shaking tables and reaction walls, the two principal facilities now used. It is divided into two main parts, the first concerned with laboratory measurements, and the second with field measurements on as-built structures. In the first part, the emphasis is on thin arch dams, with particular concern for the hydrodynamic effect of the impounded reservoir water, and some reference to a cable-stayed bridge model. The second part deals with eccentric-mass vibrators and wind-induced vibration of two large arch dams in Switzerland, together with wind and traffic effects on the Humber suspension bridge.

Keywords:

• structural dynamics
• experimental methods
• earthquake engineering