Dynamic analysis of a cable-stayed deck steel arch bridge

A theoretical and experimental research work in relation to the cable-stayed Barqueta bridge is described in this paper. Barqueta bridge, across Guadalquivir river, links the city of Seville with Scientific Park Cartuja 93. During rush hour cars may cover one half of the bridge lanes for more than one hour. Full-scale tests were carried out to measure the bridge dynamic response. The experimental program included the dynamic study for two different live load conditions: the bridge with one half of its lanes full of cars, and the bridge empty of cars. Modal parameter estimations were made based on the acquired data. Ten vibration modes were identified in the frequency range of 0–6 Hz by different techniques, two of these modes being very close to each other. The traffic–structure interaction is also studied. Experimental results were compared with those obtained from a three-dimensional finite element model developed in this work. Both sets of results show very good agreement. Finally, a damage identification technique has been applied to determine the integrity of the structure. Results obtained from a test developed in July 2005 have been correlated with experimental results obtained in October 2006 using the damage index method.