Parameter identification of beam-column structures on two-parameter elastic foundation

In this paper, a finite element model has been developed for analysing the flexural vibrations of a uniform Timoshenko beam-column on a two-parameter elastic foundation. The beam was discretized into a number of finite elements having four degrees of freedom each. The effect of end springs was incorporated in order to identify the end constraints. The procedure for identifying geometric and mechanical parameters as well as the end restraints of a beam on two-parameter elastic foundation is based on experimentally measured natural frequencies from dynamic tests on the structure itself. An iterative statistical identification method, based on the Bayesian approach, was used to identify a set of geometric, physical and mechanical parameters of the above mentioned structure. Simulated measured natural frequencies of the structure were used throughout the identification method. The engineer's confidence in the modelling of the various parameters was also quantified and incorporated into the revision procedure.