Vibration-based finite element model updating and structural damage identification

Damage and material deterioration could lead to structural failure with unknown consequences. Structural health monitoring strategy based on vibration measurements for existing aging structures offers a promising technique for effectively managing the deteriorating structures. The main objectives of this research are to develop a procedure for finite element model updating by using incomplete modal data identified from vibration measurements, to develop real time structural damage detecting method by directly using vibration measurements and then identify the damage at detailed location and extend in the structure on the basis of the validated numerical model. A steel frame model structure was constructed in the laboratory for finite element model updating and structural damage detection. Forced vibration testing was undertaken on the model structure and dynamic response such as accelerations were measured by using sensors installed. Modal analyses are then carried out to identify modal parameters such as frequencies, mode shapes and damping from the vibration measurements. Structural damage scenarios were simulated by breaking bracing members of the model structure, and modal parameter of the damaged structures were also identified and analysed. An effective approach for directly updating finite element model from measured incomplete modal data with a regularised iterative algorithm is then presented. The exact relationship between the perturbation of structural parameters and the modal properties of the dynamic structure is developed. Numerical simulation investigations and experimental study of a laboratory tested space steel frame model and practical application to the Canton Tower benchmark problem are undertaken to verify the accuracy and effectiveness of the proposed model updating method. Finally, a new approach for real time structural damage detection by using acceleration measurements is presented. Structural damage is characterised at element level by introducing damage parameters which can indicate the location and severity of damage in the structure. The relationship between the damage parameters and the measured dynamic response is then established from the governing equation of the dynamic structure. Numerical examples of cantilever beams, plane frame, and braced frames are adopted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The new proposed technique performs well and produces stable and reliable results, which could be used for real time damage assessment during the event of earthquake and explosion.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

phd

Level dc:type.qualificationlevel

doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Greenwich

Year dc:date.issued

2013

Author dc:creator

• Than Soe, Muang

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Chen, Huapeng
• Alani, Amir M.

• QA Mathematics

Language dc:language

en