Dynamic characteristics of timber bridges as a measure of structural integrity

Abstract

Bridges require periodic inspections to ensure the safety of those using the structure. A myriad of techniques have been developed in order to quickly and accurately determine a structure's health. Unfortunately, timber structures are still, in most cases, subjectively evaluated. Decay is one of the most common damage mechanisms in these structures, and often inflicts damage internally, without visible signs appearing on the surface until a timber's load bearing capacity has been largely destroyed. Steel and concrete structures have been successfully evaluated with a variety of dynamic nondestructive methods, using a structure's modal properties to detect and locate damage. This paper presents an extension of several previously developed dynamic nondestructive methods to timber bridge structures.

Citation

Morison, Angus; VanKarsen, C.D.; Evensen, H.A.; Ligon, J.B.; Erickson, J.R.; Ross, R.J.; Forsman, J.W. 2003. Dynamic characteristics of timber bridges as a measure of structural integrity. Proceedings, IMAC-XXI, a Conference on Structural Dynamics, 2003 February 3-6, Kissimmee, FL. Bethel, CT : Society for Experimental Mechanics, 2003.