Dynamic testing and structural identification of innovative network structures

The experimental modal analysis is a kind of test in which input forces and structural responses are known. It is important to note that the dynamic behavior is a kind of "fingerprint", it depends only by intrinsic characteristics (mass, stiffness, damping, boundaries, degree of freedom, etc.) and not by the applied loads. Therefore, the structural response still remains unchanged in absence of modification (structural damage, etc⋯), otherwise a variation of frequencies and vibration modes occurs. The Experimental Modal Analysis of civil structures implies the use computer models, designed to predict the response of a structures and also to simulate the effects of eventual modifications in their structural parameters (stiffness, damping, degree of freedom, etc.). The FE updating techniques are available to correct the FE models, based on dynamic response records of the real structures. These updating processes usually consist of four phases: preliminary FE modeling, experimental modal identification, manual sensitivity analysis and updating the FE model. The present paper presents the dynamic identification of an innovative manufacturing and assembling building technology system allowing fast times to build up. The building has been subjected to an experimental investigation and to an accurate FE modelling. The experimental investigation has been carried out using a vibrodyne. The comparison between the experimental evidences with the results of FE models allowed us the dynamic identification of the structure. The dynamic structural identification is a non-destructive technique, so that it can be applied to existing and even historical buildings (for checking the health) to new structures, and to innovative structures (where there is not well defined design criteria).