Ambient Vibration Study of the Gi-Lu Cable-Stay Bridge: Application of Wireless Sensing Units

An extensive program of full-scale ambient vibration testing has been conducted to measure the dynamic response of a 240 meter cable-stayed bridge–Gi-Lu Bridge in Nan-Tou County, Taiwan. A MEMS-based wireless sensor system and a traditional microcomputer-based system were used to collect and analyze ambient vibration data. A total of four bridge modal frequencies and associated mode shapes were identified for cables and the deck structure within the frequency range of 0~2Hz. The experimental data clearly indicated the occurrence of many closely spaced modal frequencies. Most of the deck modes were found to be associated with the cable modes, implying a considerable interaction between the deck and cables. The results of the ambient vibration survey were compared to modal frequencies and mode shapes computed using three-dimensional finite element modeling of the bridge. For most modes, the analytical and the experimental modal frequencies and mode shapes compare quite well. Based on the findings of this study, a linear elastic finite element model for deck structures and beam element with P-Delta effect for the cables appear to be capable of capturing much of the complex dynamic behavior of the bridge with good accuracy.