Finite element model updating for a high-rise structure based on ambient vibration measurements

This paper presents an eigensensitivity-based finite element (FE) model updating procedure for FE model updating of an existing 310 m tall Nanjing TV Tower based on ambient vibration measurements. Good correlations of dynamic characteristics of the tower determined from the updated FE models and the full-scale measurements are found. Detailed comparative study is conducted with consideration of six FE model updating cases with selecting different groups of updating parameters and constructing the eigensensitivity matrix with various methods. Several approaches for estimation of FE model updating parameters based on the pseudo-inverse method, weighted least squares method and Bayesian estimation technique are used to identify the most suitable and effective method for FE model updating of a high-rise structure. From the FE model updating results, it is found that the FE model updating procedure based on the weighted least squares method with groups of updating parameters is the most effective approach for the FE model updating of the Nanjing TV Tower.