Structural identification of a roadway bridge subjected to perceptible vibrations

Abstract Slender bridges might be prone to excessive vibrations under traffic and wind loadings. Thus, the comfort of bridge users with respect to vibrations might represent an important serviceability concern for this type of structures. Excessive vibrations, in fact, can cause the perception of an unsafe bridge, and have an economic as well as social impact because of the users' complaints. In order to understand the main factors affecting the vibration response of a slender bridge, the San Marco Viaduct in Castellammare di Stabia, Southern Italy, the present paper describes the main outcomes of the extensive experimental campaign carried out on the bridge. Static as well as dynamic tests have been carried out on the bridge for structural identification purposes. The setting of a preliminary while sufficiently accurate numerical model based on the experimental outcomes is also discussed, and the main lessons learned from the present application are discussed.