Assessment of ASR-affected concrete specimens via vibration testing and FE model updating

Abstract

This exploratory study evaluates the use of experimental and operational modal analysis (EMA and OMA) paired with a finite element modal model updating (FEMU) procedure for the recovery of damage proxy indicators for the Alkali Silica Reaction (ASR) in the form of Young’s Modulus (MOE) values.

Laboratory testing performed on reactive and non-reactive ASR blocks yielded modal parameters on the ARTeMIS platform, and cross validated on custom Matlab scripts. The modal data obtained was used as optimisation parameter in an Isight controlled Abaqus finite element model on three different model types.

The results indicate that the modal analysis method tested depend heavily on test setup, equipment, and the specimen excitation with respect to both user and environmental sources. While frequency measurements were only reliable for the fundamental mode, the resulting FEMU representative stiffness proved to be a viable basis for comparative testing. Further physical and modal testing is necessary to fully validate these findings.