Identification of tie-rod properties in monumental buildings under uncertainty

Abstract. Tie-rods are simple structural elements that have been commonly used throughout the centuries to improve stability of old masonry buildings. Measuring dynamic vibrations such can give important information on performance variation with time if proper system models be calibrated taking into account all relevant sources uncertainties. This paper poses and solves inverse problem quantifying uncertainty in mechanical properties, tensile axial force boundary conditions tie-rods from measurements their experimental frequencies vibrations. It is assumed probabilistic random entries problem, i.e., mass per unit length, bending stiffness, conditions, known up some parameters which need estimated. Both physical probability spaces discretized using finite dimensional (FD) models, deterministic functions and/or space numbers variables. Monte Carlo simulation finally completely characterize uncertain features obtaining best estimation unknown as target free vibration modal parameters, i.e. natural frequencies.