Assessment of the frequency domain decomposition technique by forced-vibration tests of a full-scale structure

Dynamic characteristics of buildings are of utmost importance in earthquake engineering. The vibration periods are required to determine design loads, and damping is necessary in time-history analysis. These parameters are generally obtained through forced-vibration tests (FVTs) or after a seismic event in the case of permanently instrumented structures. However, for large civil engineering structures, FVTs are often too costly or practically difficult, and ambient or output-only methods are used. This paper describes a comparison between ambient and FVTs carried out on a two-story building. Results from both testing methods are compared and discussed in order to assess the vibration properties estimates obtained with the frequency domain decomposition technique. Copyright (C) 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.