Assessment of Frequency versus Time Domain enhanced technique for response-only modal dynamic identification under seismic excitation

In the present study, response-only system identification is explored towards estimating modal dynamic properties of buildings under earthquake excitation. Seismic structural response signals are adopted with two different implemented Operational Modal Analysis (OMA) techniques, namely a refined Frequency Domain Decomposition algorithm and an improved data-driven Stochastic Subspace Identification (SSI-DATA) procedure, working in the Frequency Domain and in the Time Domain, respectively. These algorithms are specifically conceived to operate with seismic structural responses and at simultaneous heavy damping (in terms of identification challenge), towards achieving consistent estimations of natural frequencies, mode shapes and modal damping ratios. Classical OMA assumptions shall not contemplate short-duration, non-stationary earthquake-induced response signals. Nevertheless, the present enhanced output-only algorithms allow for estimating all strong ground motion modal parameters. First, a linear three-storey frame structure under ten selected earthquake base-excitations is considered, in order to assess the two OMA techniques at synthetic seismic response input. Comprehensive results are presented, by comparing the two developed methods, between achieved modal estimates and sought target values. Second, an existing instrumented building (CESMD database) is analyzed, by adopting real seismic response signals, reaching again effective modal estimates and corroborating the previous necessary condition analysis. According to this investigation, best up-to-date, re-interpreted, output-only techniques may effectively be used for potential Structural Health Monitoring purposes in the Earthquake Engineering range.