Dynamic monitoring of buildings as a diagnostic tool during construction phases. (1st April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nicoletti, Vanni; Arezzo, Davide; Carbonari, Sandro; Gara, Fabrizio
• Is Part Of: Journal of building engineering. Volume 46(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-04-01
• Subjects: Building construction phases -- Dynamic monitoring -- Modal parameters evolution -- Ambient vibration tests -- Non-destructive in-situ tests -- Infilled RC frame building -- Dynamic proof test -- Structural health monitoring; Building -- Periodicals; 690.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2021.103764
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-7102

Abstract

Abstract: The paper discusses the usefulness of the dynamic characterization of buildings based on the use of ambient vibration tests at different construction phases. The proposed experimental procedure, integrated with more conventional non-destructive in-situ tests for the estimation of the material mechanical properties, foresees the monitoring of the evolution of the building modal properties during the main construction phases. The monitoring makes it possible to assess the correctness of the construction through comparison with expected trends, and to consider possible countermeasures in case of unexpected behaviours. A case study, monitored during its construction, is presented to show the additional value of information obtained from the proposed experimental approach: ( i ) tests on the bare frame can be adopted to validate the design numerical model of the structure, in which non-structural elements are neglected in performing ultimate limit state verifications, ( ii ) the proposed monitoring allows the identification of the infills contribution on the building dynamics, providing useful information to address the interaction problem between structural and non-structural elements that may be detrimental at ultimates, and ( iii ) trends of resonance frequencies during the construction, validated through numerical applications, constitute an important tool for interpreting data from structural health monitoring system, as well as to establish alert thresholds of demand parameters (e.g. relevant to the building occupancy or structural damage). Highlights: Monitoring of the building construction to assess its correctness at different stages. AVTs performed together with more conventional non-destructive in-situ tests. Checking the evolution of modal properties avoids modelling or construction errors. Identification of the infills contribution on the framed building dynamics. Frequency trends during the construction facilitate the interpretation of SHM data.