FE model updating based on hybrid genetic algorithm and its verification on numerical bridge model

FE model-based dynamic analysis has been widely used to predict the dynamic characteristics of civil structures. In a physical point of view, an FE model is unavoidably different from the actual structure as being formulated based on extremely idealized engineering drawings and design data. The conventional model updating methods such as direct method and sensitivity-based parameter estimation are not flexible for model updating of complex and large structures. Thus, it is needed to develop a model updating method applicable to complex structures without restriction. The main objective of this paper is to present the model updating method based on the hybrid genetic algorithm (HGA) by combining the genetic algorithm as global optimization method and modified Nelder-Mead