Model parameter estimation using Bayesian and deterministic approaches: the case study of the Maddalena Bridge

Finite element modeling has become common practice for assessing the structural health of historic constructions. However, because of the uncertainties typically affecting our knowledge of the geometrical dimensions, material properties and boundary conditions, numerical models can fail to predict the static and dynamic behavior of such structures. In order to achieve more reliable predictions, important information can be obtained measuring the structural response under ambient vibrations. This wholly non-destructive technique allows obtaining very accurate information on the structure's dynamic properties (Brincker and Ventura (2015)).