3 Aug 2026

An Innovative Approach of Vibration Testing of Concrete Structure Using Performance Based Evaluation Techniques

Abstract: Many of our nation’s critical water resource infrastructures have already surpassed their intended design lives. Therefore, there is a critical need to develop assessment procedures that will transform dam operations and stabilization mechanisms that can extend the service life of these vital structures. These actions are crucial for ensuring safe and secure public services. Performance-based testing using a cold gas thruster (CGT) is a new and innovative nondestructive testing technique that is being implemented to better assess critical infrastructure. The CGT is an instrument that delivers a high-magnitude, short-duration impulse load that produces an impulse response in the structure. Using these dynamic responses, the structure’s behavioral response and key performance indicators can be determined. Furthermore, a high-fidelity numerical model that accurately predicts behaviors can be developed with the use of these dynamic responses.