Abstract

A new alternative is presented for the estimation of modal mass, in order to scale the vibration modes obtained from operational modal analysis tests, using optimization techniques, in the frequency-independent proportional damping situation (structural or hysteretic), achieving optimal results even with the presence of a high level of noise in the signal.

After a brief exposition of the theoretical foundations, and the limitations in the current state of the art, the determination of modal parameters is analyzed in a coupled dynamic system, using optimization techniques.

To illustrate the procedure, two examples of application are presented: first, for the case of an elementary beam model of small dimensions; and then, to confirm the capacity of the proposed method to be applied to real civil structures, said capacity is illustrated by a numerical simulation, on a very slender bridge currently in service, and with a very complex internal geometry of its main beam.