Output-only dynamic testing of bridges and special structures

Á. Cunha, University of Porto, Portugal
E. Caetano, University of Porto, Portugal 
F. Magalhães, University of Porto, Portugal

This paper stresses the important role that output-only dynamic testing of bridges and special structures can play in the assessment of dynamic structural behaviour by presenting a set of applications recently performed at several Portuguese bridges (railway, roadway and pedestrian bridges), as well as at the new Braga Sports Stadium suspended roof, and briefly referring to the most important tools developed for that purpose at the Laboratory of Vibrations and Monitoring at the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto.