Investigation of ambient noise seismological methods on a bridge model

The aim of this work is to investigate the application of seismological noise-based monitoring for bridge structures. A large-scale two-span concrete bridge model with a build-in post-tensioning system, which is exposed to environmental conditions, is chosen as our experimental test structure. Ambient seismic noise measurements were carried out under different pre-stressed conditions. Using the seismic interferometry technique, which is applied to the measurement data in the frequency domain, we reconstruct waveforms that relate to wave propagation in the structure. The coda wave interferometry technique is then implemented by comparing two waveforms recorded in two pre-stress states. Any relative seismic velocity changes are identified by determining the correlation coefficients and reveal the influence of the pre-stressing force. The decrease of the wave propagation velocity indicates the loss of the pre-stress and weakening stiffness due to opening or event extension of cracks. We conclude that the seismological methods used to estimate velocity change can be a promising tool for structural health monitoring of civil structures.