Effective Techniques for Arch Dam Ambient Vibration Test: Application on Two Iranian Dams

Ambient vibration test is an effective and economical means for identification of dynamic properties of structures such as dams. Mathematical models generally are developed for the design purpose. Structural and material parameters are assumed from similar projects or limited material tests. It was found desirable to verify the results obtained from mathematical model used regularly in the Iranian dam design practice by comparing with the behavior of the actual as-built structures. Indeed this was done by dynamic tests and good correlation was found. In this paper a new combination of different techniques is employed to achieve highest possible precision using the minimum available hardware.