Calibration of dynamic models of railway bridges based on genetic algorithms

• Type: Article in International Conference Proceedings Book
• Date: 2015

Authors

Ribeiro, D (Author) Other; Rui Calçada (Author) FEUP; Delgado, R (Author) Other

Conference proceedings International

Title: Computational Methods in Applied Sciences

Pages: 83-103

7th European Congress on Computational Methods in Applied Sciences and Engineering, ECCOMAS 2016

5 June 2016 through 10 June 2016

Indexing

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00K-D1H

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-20406-2_6

Abstract (EN): This chapter presents the main experimental calibration methodologies of finite element numerical models, with particular focus on methodologies based on modal parameters. In this context, the computational implementation of an iterative method based on a genetic algorithm is described. The iterative method involves the resolution of an optimization problem, which involves the minimization of an objective function by varying a set of preselected model parameters. The objective function includes residuals associated to natural frequencies and mode shapes. The proposed methodology is applied to the calibration of the dynamic models of two railway bridges, São Lourenço bridge and Alverca viaduct, both located in the northern line of the Portuguese railways in recently upgraded track sections. The calibration results demonstrate a very good agreement between numerical and experimental modal responses and a significant improvement of the numerical models before calibration. Also the stability of a significant number of parameters, considering different initial populations, proved the robustness of the genetic algorithm in the scope of the optimization of the numerical models. The updated numerical models were validated based on dynamic tests under railway traffic. The results showed an excellent agreement between numerical and experimental responses in terms of displacements and accelerations of the bridges' decks. © 2015 Springer International Publishing Switzerland.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific