Experimental confirmation for the validity of Ritz method in structural dynamic analysis

The issue of Ritz vectors and their advantages is well-known in the field of structural engineering. This study deals with Ritz analysis and its experimental support. To that end, two different precast concrete molds were handled. Experiments were performed under vibration with the use of a computer-based data acquisition system. Transducers were used to measure displacement histories on the mold. Three dimensional finite element (3D FEM) simulation modeling of the concrete mold was carried out to obtain deflection histories on the mold. The computed displacement histories were compared with the experimental testing results. The comparisons show that the experimental and numerical results are compatible.