Dynamic Testing and Modeling of a 30-years' old Cable-Stayed Bridge

The paper presents the experimental and analytical modal analysis of a cable-stayed bridge near Potenza (Italy). The investigated bridge is characterised by the adoption of pre-stressed concrete stay-beams. Ambient vibration tests were carried out to determine the dynamic characteristics of the bridge and 13 modes were identified in the frequency range 0–4 Hz. The experimental investigation was complemented by the development of a simplified Finite Element Model, so that the main assumptions adopted in the model were assessed through the comparison between measured and predicted modal parameters.