Stochastic optimization techniques for NDE of bridges using vibration signatures

A baseline model updating is the first step for the model-based non destructive evaluation for civil infrastructures. Many researches have been drawn to obtain a more reliable baseline model. In this study, heuristic optimization techniques (or called as stochastic optimization techniques) including the genetic algorithm, the simulated annealing, and the tabu search, were have been investigated for constructing the reliable baseline model for an instrumented new highway bridge, and also were compared with the result of conventional sensitivity method. The preliminary finite element model of the bridge was successfully updated to a baseline model based on measured vibration data.