A preliminary investigation of the Inverse Finite Element Method applied to a scaled suspension bridge model under seismic loading
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The inverse Finite Element Method (iFEM) is an effective displacement reconstruction technique that operates solely based on strain measurements, structural geometry, and prescribed boundary condition definitions, without requiring knowledge of external loads or material properties. This unique capability makes it particularly suitable for structural health monitoring (SHM) applications in large-scale infrastructures, where external loads are often unknown or difficult to measure. By relying only on strain data, iFEM enables real-time reconstruction of the full displacement field, offering a kinematic description of structural behavior under dynamic conditions. In this study, iFEM is applied to a scaled suspension bridge model subjected to seismic excitation to evaluate its effectiveness in capturing both global and local deformation patterns induced by ground motion. Several scenarios are analyzed to assess the robustness and accuracy of the reconstruction. Numerical simulations are complemented with experimental strain data to validate the approach and explore its applicability in realistic dynamic contexts. The results of this preliminary investigation demonstrate the potential of iFEM for real-time deformation tracking and seismic response assessment in complex bridge structures, paving the way for its integration into SHM systems for critical infrastructures
