IOMAC2027 logo

Stay Informed

Subscribe for conference updates

IOMAC2027 conference courses

IOMAC 2027 will host two pre-conference courses:


Course 1: Operational Modal Analysis: Background, Theory & Practice

DESCRIPTION

The course describes how Operational Modal Analysis (OMA) can advantageously be used instead of Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) for accurate modal identification under actual operating conditions, and in situations where it is difficult or impossible to artificially excite the structure.

The course covers the theory and practice behind popular techniques developed for OMA, such as the Frequency Domain Decomposition (FDD) and the Stochastic Subspace Identification (SSI). Practical measurement techniques will be reviewed, both in case of well-separated modes, closely-spaced modes and with or without the presence of harmonic components. The OMA techniques will be illustrated by several application examples from civil engineering structures such as buildings and bridges, and mechanical engineering structures such as automotive, aerospace and space structures including both field and laboratory tests. An introduction to vibration-based Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) built on the Operational Modal Analysis framework will also be covered.

During the course there will be time for hands-on exercises using commercially available software.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

Engineers and researchers who have basic knowledge of experimental modal analysis and who would like to expand their knowledge into the field of Operational Modal Analysis to perform modal analysis on structures under actual operating conditions, and in situations where it is difficult or impossible to artificially excite the structure. For example large civil engineering structures excited by wind and waves, or mechanical structures exhibiting self-generated vibration during operation.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own laptops. None will be provided. Limited term licenses of OMA software will be provided.

COURSE OUTLINE

  • Introduction to Operational Modal Analysis
  • Basic idea and applications of OMA
  • Advantages, assumptions and limitations
  • Time data acquisition (measurement)
  • Overview of identification techniques
  • Comparison of OMA to EMA and ODS analysis
  • Measurement and Measurement Validation
  • Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) plots
  • Short-Time Fourier Transform (STFT) contour plots
  • Operational Modal Analysis Identification Techniques
  • Projection channels
  • Frequency Domain Decomposition techniques (FDD, EFDD, CFDD)
  • State space models
  • Stochastic Subspace Identification techniques (SSI-UPC, SSI-PC, SSI-CVA)
  • Uncertainty estimation of modal parameters using SSI-UPCX
  • Harmonic detection and reduction in the time and frequency domains
  • Analysis validation
  • Introduction to Structural Health Monitoring (SHM)
  • Definitions, benefits, applications, and examples
  • Theory: Vibration-based damage detection and damage detection residuals

INSTRUCTORS

Carlos E. Ventura

Carlos E. Ventura, University of British Columbia

Prof. Ventura is a Civil Engineer with specializations in structural dynamics and earthquake engineering. He has been a faculty member of the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Canada since 1992. He is a registered professional engineer in British Columbia, California and Guatemala. He is currently the Director of the Earthquake Engineering Research Facility (EERF) at UBC, and is the author of more than 650 papers and reports on earthquake engineering, structural dynamics and modal testing. He is a member of several national and international professional societies and advisory committees. Prof. Ventura has conducted research for more than thirty-five years in the dynamic behaviour and analysis of structural systems subjected to extreme dynamic loads, including severe ground shaking. His research work includes experimental studies in the field and in the laboratory of structural systems and components.


Palle Andersen

Palle Andersen, Structural Vibration Sollutions

Dr. Palle Andersen is a Civil Engineer with specializations in computational methods for structural dynamics. He got his M.Sc. in 1993 from Department of Civil Engineering at Aalborg University, and his Ph.D. in 1997. Since 1999 he has been the managing director and co-founder of Structural Vibration Solutions A/S. He is the senior developer of the ARTeMIS software for Operational Modal Analysis. For more than 25 years, he has been giving lectures and courses on Operational Modal Analysis and the use of ARTeMIS software worldwide. He is the author and co-author of more than 100 papers and articles on Operational Modal Analysis and Damage Detection, and the co-inventor of the Frequency Domain Decomposition patent. Today one of the most used techniques for Operational Modal Analysis.




Course 2: Advanced Methods for Vibration Analysis

DESCRIPTION

Dynamical models play a key role in many branches of science. In engineering they have a paramount role in health monitoring, control and optimization. Accurate and precise identification of the models is often crucial to their subsequent use in applications. Data-driven modeling (system identification) and uncertainty assessment are established fields for determining mathematical models of dynamical systems on the basis of measurement data from dedicated experiments.

In this preconference course we will cover the fundamentals of data-driven modeling approaches (ranging from subspace algorithms to Bayesian filters) as well as more advanced topics pertaining to uncertainty quantification in subspace identification, statistical change detection and probability of detection concepts in NDT and SHM.

Targeted applications are large engineering structures, such as, bridges, ships, wind turbines, and small-scale laboratory experiments. The sessions comprise theoretical input lectures and hands-on Matlab tutorials, based on simple mechanical systems.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

PhD students, engineers, and researchers with basic knowledge of operational modal analysis who would like to expand their theoretical knowledge into the algorithms behind it. The course gives an overview of advanced methods for vibration analysis in the field, and helps understanding their mathematical background.

COURSE OUTLINE

  • Welcome and introduction
  • Overview on system identification methods
  • Subspace-based system identification
  • Uncertainty propagation for subspace methods
  • Statistical change detection and probability of detection
  • Bayesian filters for input-parameter-state estimation of linear systems
  • Bayesian filters for parameter-state estimation of nonlinear systems

Instructors

TBA

Latest Announcements

Call for Special Sessions and Pre-conference Courses deadline

Deadline for the Call of Special Sessions and Pre-conference courses is February 1, 2026

If you would like to organize a special sessions at IOMAC2027, please contact us at janko.slavic@fs.uni-lj.si.

September 10, 2025

Conference Venue

Laško, a picturesque town in eastern Slovenia, is renowned for its soothing thermal springs and rich brewing tradition, offering a unique setting for scientific gatherings. Surrounded by lush hills and a peaceful river, it provides an ideal environment for both focused academic exchange and relaxation. Attendees can also explore cultural and natural treasures in the region, from the ancient Žička Kartuzija monastery and the mysterious Jama Pekel cave to the historic Celje Castle.

Discover More

After the conference, why not extend your stay and explore some of Central Europe’s most iconic destinations? Slovenia’s capital Ljubljana enchants with its vibrant riverside and charming old town, Lake Bled offers postcard-perfect alpine scenery, and Venice lies just a few hours away. For those seeking more adventure, Postojna Cave and the fairytale Predjama Castle, or the seaside charm of Piran on the Adriatic coast, are also within easy reach—making it effortless to combine your academic visit with unforgettable travel experiences.

Venue Map

Thermana Park Laško, Zdraviliška cesta 6, 3270 Laško, Slovenia