Force identification by means of in-operation modal models

In-operation modal analysis has become a valid alternative for structures where a classic forced-vibration test would be difficult if not impossible to conduct. The modelling of output-only data obtained from naturally excited structures is particularly interesting because the test structure remains in its normal in-operation condition during the test. One of the drawbacks of in-operation analysis is that part of the modal parameters can no longer be estimated. Consequently, the applicability of in-operation modal models remains somewhat restricted. For some in-operation applications, interest lies in the identification of the forces that gave rise to the measured response signals. In order to solve this ill-conditioned problem, a complete modal model of the structure is required. Recently, a sensitivity-based method was proposed for the normalization of operational mode shape estimates on the basis of in-operation modal models only. This method allows the reconstruction of complete modal models from output-only data. In this paper, the possibility of using such re-completed in-operation modal models for the identification of localized forces is explored.