Development of methodology for accurate and reliable condition assessment o
f civil structures has become increasingly important. In particular, the fi
nite element (FE) model updating method has been successfully used for cond
ition assessment of bridges. However, the success of applications of the me
thod depends on the analytical conceptualization of complex bridge structur
es, a well-designed and controlled modal test and an integration of analyti
cal and experimental arts. This paper describes the sensitivity-analysis-ba
sed FE model updating method and its application to structure condition ass
essment with particular reference to bridges, including specific considerat
ions for FE modeling for updating and the model updating procedure for succ
essful condition assessment. Finally, the accuracy analysis of damage asses
sment by model updating was investigated through a case study. (C) 2001 Els
evier Science BY. All rights reserved.