SHORT COMMUNICATION Assessment of the frequency domain decomposition technique by forced-vibration tests of a full-scale structure

Dynamic characteristics of buildings are of utmost importance in earthquake engineering. The vibration periods are required to determine design loads, and damping is necessary in time-history analysis. These parameters are generally obtained through forced-vibration tests (FVTs) or after a seismic event in the case of permanently instrumented structures. However, for large civil engineering structures, FVTs are often too costly or practically difficult, and ambient or output-only methods are used. This paper describes a comparison between ambient and FVTs carried out on a two-story building. Results from both testing methods are compared and discussed in order to assess the vibration properties estimates obtained wit