A DBSCAN-based automated operational modal analysis algorithm for bridge monitoring

•An algorithm for the Automated Operational Modal Analysis (AOMA) is presented.•The algorithm applies density-based clustering and is proposed for bridge monitoring.•A novel, data-driven procedure is proposed for the automatic setting of its parameters.•The AOMA method is validated on experimental acquisitions from the well-known Z24 case study.•The proposal is benchmarked against the conventional (hierarchical clustering-based) approach.•Its computational efficiency, capabilities for damage assessment, and robustness to changing environmental conditions are all assessed.