Ambient vibration testing, dynamic identification and model updating of a historic tower

The results of an ambient-vibration based investigation conducted on a historical tower in Italy, to update the 3-D finite element model of the building are presented in this work. The main difficulties are related to the extreme in-homogeneity of the building and the presence of an elevator vain that occupies the posterior part of the tower, forcing to locate the accelerometers only on one façade of the building.The assessment procedure include full-scale ambient vibration testing, modal identification from ambient vibration responses using three different identification methods, finite element modeling and dynamic-based identification of the uncertain structural parameters of the model. A very good match between theoretical and experimental modal parameters was reached and the model updating has been performed to identify some structural parameters.

► Operational modal analysis of a historical building in a very harsh ambient condition. ► Dynamic identification based on constrained accelerometers placement. ► FEM updating using sensitivity analysis of measured frequencies.